Calculating Kinetic Energy in a Spring Compression Problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating kinetic energy in a spring compression problem involving a spring constant of 200 N/m and a block with an initial kinetic energy of 16 J. The problem requires determining the kinetic energy of the block when the spring is compressed by 0.20 m and the initial kinetic energy needed for the block to stop at 0.40 m compression. The correct application of the work-energy principle, including gravitational potential energy, is essential for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the work-energy principle
  • Knowledge of spring potential energy calculations
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy concepts
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the work-energy principle in physics
  • Learn about calculating gravitational potential energy
  • Study spring potential energy formulas and applications
  • Practice solving similar spring compression problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators seeking to clarify spring dynamics and energy transformations.

Nicholson
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I think I understand how to begin the problem but when I compute the answers they don't match the selected answers in the back of the book

Homework Statement



A spring (k=200 N/m) is fixed at the top of a frictionless plane inclined at angle θ=40°. A 1/0 kg block is projected up the plane, from an initial position that is distance d=0.60m from the end of the relaxed spring, with an initial kinetic energy of 16 J.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the block at the instant it has compressed the spring 0.20 m?
b) With what kinetic energy must the block be projected up the plane if it is to stop momentarily when it has compressed the spring by 0.40m?

Homework Equations



Wf=ΔK+ΔU=Kf-Ki+Uf-Ui

The Attempt at a Solution



a) Ki is the 16 J of KE from the block, Ui is 1/2Kx^2 from the original compressed distance, Uf is 1/2Kx^2 at the instant the spring is compressed to 0.20m.

(Kf-16J) + [(1/2(200 N/m)(0.6)^2)-(1/2(200 N/m)(0.8)^2)]

Answer should be 7 J but I must be off somehow because that's not what I get
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Don't forget gravitational PE.
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K