Conservation of energy involving spring and friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction for a wood block attached to a spring with a spring constant of 180 N/m. The block, weighing 0.62 kg, is compressed by 0.05 m and stretches 0.023 m beyond its equilibrium position before reversing direction. The solution involves equating the potential energy stored in the spring to the kinetic energy of the block and the work done against friction, leading to the equation 1/2 kx_initial² = 1/2 mv² + μmg|x_final - x_initial|. The user successfully resolves the problem after initial confusion regarding the unknown variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Knowledge of kinetic and potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle
  • Basic algebra for solving equations with multiple variables
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  • Study the derivation of Hooke's Law and its applications in mechanics
  • Learn about the work-energy theorem and its implications in friction scenarios
  • Explore energy conservation principles in mechanical systems
  • Investigate methods for experimentally determining coefficients of friction
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of energy conservation involving springs and friction.

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Homework Statement



A 0.62 kg wood block is firmly attached to a very light horizontal spring (k = 180 N/m) . This block-spring system, when compressed .05 m and released, stretches out 0.023 m beyond the equilibrium position before stopping and turning back.

What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the table?

GIANCOLI.ch08.p037.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



This is how far I've gotten:

At x = -.05, there is 0 kinetic energy, and potential energy = 1/2 kx2.

So:

1/2 kx2 = 1/2 mv22 + \mumg(energy lost due to friction)

But this has 2 unknown variables.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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Nevermind, figured it out.

1/2 kxinitial2 = 1/2 kx2final + \mumg(abs((xfinal - xinitial))
 

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