Conservation of energy between the mass and the spring

AI Thread Summary
A 1500g mass slides down a frictionless incline and compresses a spring after traveling a distance L. The relevant equation for energy conservation is 1/2 kx^2 = mgh, with h defined as sin21 (L+0.6). The user converted units correctly but struggled with the calculations to find L. After multiple attempts and seeking help, the user eventually solved the problem independently. The discussion highlights the importance of careful unit conversion and application of energy conservation principles.
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Homework Statement



A 1500g mass starts from rest and slides a distance L down a frictionless 21 degrees incline, where it contacts an unstressed 60cm long spring of negligible mass. The mass slides an additional 10cm as it is brought momentarily to rest by compressing the spring of force constant 15N/cm. Find the initial separation L between the mass and the spring.

Homework Equations



1/2 kx^2 = mgh, where h = sin21 (L+0.6)

The Attempt at a Solution



I first converted all the dimensions: 1500g to 1.5kg, 60 and 10cm to 0.6m and .1m respectively, and 15N/cm to 1500N/m. I then plug in my answer to solve for h. After that, I divide h by sin21 and finally subtract 0.6 from it. I thought I did the question correctly, but I keep getting it wrong. Can someone please point out my mistake?

Thank you so much!
 
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nvm, I got it!
 

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