Displacement of wood block originally attached to spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a 180-g wood block attached to a spring, where a force of 20 N compresses the spring by 18 cm. The spring constant (k) is calculated to be approximately 111.11 N/m. The user attempts to equate the initial elastic potential energy of 1.8 J to the work done against friction, but fails to account for the additional elastic potential energy when the block stretches beyond equilibrium. The correct approach requires considering both the initial and final elastic potential energies in the energy balance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Knowledge of elastic potential energy (Elastic PE = 1/2*kx^2)
  • Familiarity with frictional forces (F_fr = μ_k * F_N)
  • Basic problem-solving skills in physics
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  • Study the concept of energy conservation in spring systems
  • Learn how to calculate the spring constant using different methods
  • Explore the effects of friction on oscillating systems
  • Investigate the dynamics of motion beyond equilibrium in spring-block systems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of energy conservation and spring dynamics in real-world applications.

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Homework Statement


A 180-g wood block is firmly attached to a light horizontal spring, Fig. 6-26. The block can slide along a table where the coefficient of friction is 0.30. A force of 20 N compresses the string 18 cm. If the spring is released from this position, how far beyond its equilibrium will it stretch on its first string?


Homework Equations


F=kx
Elastic PE = 1/2*kx^2
F_fr=μ_k*F_N


The Attempt at a Solution


We have 20 = 0.18k where k is in N/m. So k= 1000/9. Then this means the elastic potential energy is 1/2*20*(0.18)^2=1.8 J. Work due to friction is F_fr*displacement=0.3*0.18*9.8*displacement=.5292*displacement=1.8, and solving yields ≈3.4 m. Not correct, apparently.

Can anyone show me where I went wrong?
 
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You set all of the initial elastic potential energy equal to the work done by friction. But since it's stretching past equilibrium, the final position (of momentary rest) will also have some elastic potential energy.
 

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