Find Speed of Block Dropped on Spring: Mass, Height, Compression

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block dropped onto a spring, focusing on energy transformations and the relationships between gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic potential energy. The subject area includes mechanics, specifically energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of energy as the block falls and compresses the spring, questioning the appropriate equations to use in different scenarios. Some express uncertainty about the energy transformation process and its application to the problem.

Discussion Status

There are varying levels of familiarity with energy transformations among participants. Some guidance on the energy transformation process has been provided, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or equations to use. Participants are exploring different interpretations and methods.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes difficulty with the energy transformation concept, indicating a potential gap in understanding. Another participant mentions an attempt to apply a specific equation but found it to be incorrect, highlighting the need for clarification on the application of formulas.

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A 9.3 kg block is dropped onto a spring of spring constant 1086 N/m from a height of 800 cm. When the block is momentarily at rest, the spring has been compressed by 50 cm. Find the speed of the block when the compression of the spring is 10 cm. The acceleration of gravity is 9.81 m/s^2. Answer in units of m/s.

Equations...
1/2kx^2
k = 1/2mv^2
u = mgh

my problem is I don't understand which equations to use in which situations,..
 
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This is simply a transformation of energy question.

Right at the start before the block is dropped, only gravitation potential energy (Eg) is present. Then all of the Eg is turned into kinetic energy (Ek) as the block falls. Just before the block hits the spring, all of the Eg is turned into Ek. Then the block impacts the spring and compressing it, turning Ek into Elastic potential energy (Ee).

Therefore, it would:

Eg-->Ek-->Ee

Using this transformation method, it would be very simple to solve this.
 
If I wasn't very familiar with the whole transformation of energy...how would I do this?
 
I tried 1/2mv^2 = 1/2kx^2 and it comes out wrong..
 

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