Calculating Spring Stretch in a Horizontal Setup

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The discussion focuses on calculating the stretch of a spring in a horizontal setup involving a wood block and friction. A force of 20.9 N compresses the spring by 17.2 cm, but the original poster struggles with the calculations, particularly regarding the spring constant and the frictional force. Participants clarify that the frictional force should be expressed as Umg, not Ukmg, and emphasize the importance of using correct units, specifically converting grams to kilograms. They also correct the equation used for calculating the distance D, suggesting it should not contain D in the denominator. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for careful attention to units and proper equation formulation in physics problems.
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A 171 g wood block is firmly attached to a very light horizontal spring, as shown in the figure below.
The block can slide along a table where the coefficient of friction is 0.306. A force of 20.9 N compresses the spring 17.2 cm. If the spring is released from this position, how far beyond its equilibrium position will it stretch on its first swing?

i know the equation is suppose to be 1/2k(x^2-D^2)=(Uk)mg(x+D)
where D is the distance the block will travel...
and then set the equation equals to D = x - (2Ukmg)/D
i plug in all the numbers and i still get the wrong answer...
i think my K constant is wrong i thought it was just k = 20.9 N/.172 m = 121.51

btw my wrong answer is 8.7596 m

can someone help me?
 

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1/2k(x^2-D^2)=(Uk)mg(x+D)

Frictional force is Umg. Not Ukmg.

Also Check your calculations. There can not be a D in the denominator.


I am getting,

D = x - (2Umg)/k
 
I think he meams that Uk is the kinetic coeffiecient of friction (where the k is meant to be a subscript, not the spring constant).
but other than that, I got the same equation as gamma.

like gamma said, check your calculations, and also check your units: g -> kg, etc...
 
yea mathstudent is right i was talkin about kinetic coefficient and yea i accidently typed the wrong thing for the equation... mathstudent was right i forgot about the units... i used g instead of kg... thanks a lot guys!
 
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