Conservation of energy of a spring problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a 1.20-kg piece of cheese placed on a vertical spring with a force constant of 1800 N/m, compressed by 15.0 cm. The key concept is the conservation of energy, which dictates that the gravitational potential energy must be calculated from the lowest point of the spring's compression. The cheese rises from this initial compressed position, and the height should be measured from that point, not from the ground level.

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Homework Statement


A 1.20-kg piece of cheese is placed on a vertical spring of negligible mass and force constant k = 1800 N/m that is compressed 15.0 cm. When the spring is released, how high does the cheese rise from this initial position? (The cheese and the spring
are not attached.)

Homework Equations


Conservation of Energy equation.

The Attempt at a Solution


Actually what i want to know is, while calculating the gravitational potential energy, should i include 15.0 cm(ie distance by which spring is compressed) or should i start from the point from where it leaves the spring?? kindly clarify.
 
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The initial position is the compressed position--measure changes in gravitational PE from that lowest point. (Measure the final height from that point as well.)
 
Thanks Doc :-)
 

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