Conservation of Energy object of mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving the conservation of energy for an object of mass m sliding down a frictionless incline and compressing a spring. The key equations utilized are the work done by the spring, represented as Wspring = 1/2kx^2, and the work done by gravity, W = F*d. The solution involves equating the work done by gravity to the work done on the spring to find the initial separation d between the object and the spring. The user ultimately resolved the problem independently after initial confusion.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of potential and kinetic energy
  • Knowledge of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Learn how to apply Hooke's Law in various scenarios
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[SOLVED] Conservation of Energy

Homework Statement


An object of mass m starts from rest and slides a distance d down a frictionless incline of angle . While sliding, it contacts an unstressed spring of negligible mass as shown in Figure P8.10. The object slides an additional distance x as it is brought momentarily to rest by compression of the spring (of force constant k). Find the initial separation d between object and spring. (Use theta for , g for acceleration due to gravity, and m, k and x as necessary.)

http://img214.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p810uu0.gif

Homework Equations



Wspring = 1/2kx^2
W = F*d

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought that the work of the spring would equal the work of gravity. so I set the two equations equal to one another, but apparently that is wrong.
 
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solved it, nevermind
 

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