Elastic Potential Energy of a system with 2 springs and 1 mass on an incline

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block on a frictionless incline with two springs. The block has a mass of 0.150 kg, with the upper spring compressed by 0.10 meters and force constants of 250 N/m and 450 N/m for the upper and lower springs, respectively. Participants are trying to calculate the total potential energy of the system before the block is released, focusing on the elastic potential energy of the upper spring. There is confusion regarding the contribution of the lower spring, particularly since its compression is initially zero. The conversation highlights the need for a clear diagram to better understand the system's mechanics.
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Homework Statement



IV. The block in the figure has a mass of 0.150 kg, and the surface it is on is frictionless.
The force constant of the upper spring is 250 N/m, and the force constant of the lower
spring is 450 N/m. The upper spring is initially compressed by a distance of 0.10
meters. The distance between the two elevations is h = 0:50 meters

Homework Equations



(a) Clearly dene the origin for the coordinate system you will use on the diagram.
Before the block is released (from rest) what is the potential energy of the system?
(b) What is the speed of the block when it reaches point "A" on the diagram ?
(c) What will the maximum compression of the lower spring be when the block hits
it?

The Attempt at a Solution



I started on part a) I know U1=(1/2)Kx^2 and U2=(1/2)Kx^2 I was not sure how to go about finding the Total potential energy of the system. I assume the x value of the lower spring is 0, but it says it has a force constant of 450 n/m. So (450 n/m)(0) = 0 for the lower spring so the total elastic potential energy for the system is just the potential energy of the upper spring??
 
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cant understand completely
do you have a diagram?
 
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