Energy Problem involving Friction and Spring

In summary, we have a wooden block with mass 1.30 kg placed against a compressed spring at the bottom of a 35.0 degree slope. When the spring is released, the block is projected up the incline and reaches a speed of 5.00 m/s at a distance of 4.15 m up the slope. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and incline is 0.450. We are asked to calculate the initial potential energy stored in the spring, with free fall acceleration taken as 9.80 m/s^2. To solve this, we use the energy equation: (Initial) Us = KE + ΔUint (Final State), where PE is included because the block is at a
  • #1
Chandasouk
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Homework Statement



A wooden block with mass 1.30 kg is placed against a compressed spring at the bottom of a slope inclined at an angle of 35.0 degrees (point A). When the spring is released, it projects the block up the incline. At point B, a distance of 4.15 m up the incline from A, the block is moving up the incline at a speed of 5.00 m/s and is no longer in contact with the spring. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and incline is [tex]\mu[/tex]k = 0.450. The mass of the spring is negligible.Calculate the amount of potential energy that was initially stored in the spring.
Take free fall acceleration to be g = 9.80 m/s^2.

I don't really know what to do.

I start by doing some energy graphs
(Initial) Us = KE + [tex]\Delta[/tex]Uint (Final State)

1/2K[tex]\Delta[/tex]x2 = 1/2mv2+[tex]\mu[/tex]mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex]*L

L being 4.15m
 
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  • #2
In the energy equation you have not included the potential energy.
 
  • #3
PE is included because the block is at a location higher than it's initial position right?
 
  • #4
What is the final position of the block from the horizontal surface?
ΔUint includes only the work done against the frictional force.
So one more term must be there in the energy equation.
 

Related to Energy Problem involving Friction and Spring

1. What is friction and how does it affect energy problems involving springs?

Friction is the resistance between two surfaces that are in contact with each other. In energy problems involving springs, friction can cause losses in energy by converting it into heat or sound.

2. How does the coefficient of friction impact the energy problem?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of the roughness of the surfaces in contact. A higher coefficient of friction means there is more resistance and thus more energy loss in the system.

3. Can friction be completely eliminated in energy problems involving springs?

No, friction cannot be completely eliminated. There will always be some level of friction present in any system. However, it can be reduced by using lubricants or designing the system to minimize contact between surfaces.

4. How does the spring constant affect the energy problem involving friction?

The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of the spring. A higher spring constant means the spring is more resistant to deformation, which can result in more energy being absorbed and less energy being lost due to friction.

5. How can we calculate the energy loss due to friction in an energy problem involving springs?

The energy loss due to friction can be calculated by using the formula W = Fd, where W is the work done by friction, F is the force of friction, and d is the distance over which the force is applied. This can then be subtracted from the total energy in the system to determine the remaining usable energy.

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