Calculating Spring Compression and Velocity with Friction

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the distance a spring was compressed and the velocity of a block upon release, the equation 1/2 kx^2 is essential, where k is the spring constant. The work done by the spring (0.969 J) must also account for friction, which affects the energy transfer. The kinetic friction force can be calculated using F_kinetic_friction = muk * F_normal. The correct approach involves incorporating the work done against friction into the energy balance equation. This ensures an accurate calculation of both the compression distance and the block's velocity as it separates from the spring.
Markrosoft
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
having trouble with this problem... any ideas?

A 2.798-kg block is on a horizontal surface with muk = 0.170, and is in contact with a lightweight spring with a spring constant of 775 N/m which is compressed. Upon release, the spring does 0.969 J of work on the mass while returning to its equilibrium position. Calculate the distance the spring was compressed. What is the velocity of the mass as it breaks contact with the spring?

i need this equation: 1/2 kx^2 ... but I'm not sure where to go from here...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
What are some universal equations for work you could use here? Think about how energy is transferred from potential to kinetic when the spring is released and allowed to return to equilibrium.
 
i tried this:
1/2 k x^2=E ...0.969 J = 1/2 (775) (x)^2 ...x = 0.05m

but it's wrong... does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
 
That would be correct if the surface were frictionless. Try to factor in the work done by friction. Remember that W=Fd\cos\theta and F_{kinetic~friction}=\mu_{kinetic}F_{normal}.
 
Last edited:
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top