Conservation of momentum ; spring ; friction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving the conservation of momentum and energy in a system with a spring and friction. The user initially struggles to find the maximum compression of the spring due to a lack of information about the spring constant. They realize that while momentum and energy are not fully conserved due to friction, the energy lost to friction can be used to calculate the maximum compression. By equating the energy lost to friction with the work done, they successfully determine the compression of the spring. The user expresses gratitude after finding the correct solution.
jumpman11372
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Homework Statement


http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/2281/springblockconsst5.th.jpg

I need help with part 2 of the problem, which asks to find the maximum compression of the spring. I have already found the work done by friction in part 1.


Homework Equations



I know momentum is conserved (duh) and so is energy, although some of both are lost to friction. I really do not know how to get started with this.


The Attempt at a Solution



I attempted setting some equations equal to each other, yet none seem to make sense. I feel helpless without the spring constant. K is not given.

I attempted creating a total conservation formula, yet to no avail. I am clueless how to incorporate friction, energy, and/or momentum together to find \Deltax - compression

HELP PLEASE :cry:
 
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Well neither momentum nor energy is considered conserved in this problem, because the system of block and spring lose energy to heat the universe outside the system.

If you have determined the energy lost to friction in part 1, you know this is equal to the frictional force times the distance applied. so the maximum compression is 1/2 the energy lost divided by the frictional force.
 
oh god! thank you so very much

didn't know why i didn't think of that :] I got the answer right!
 
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