Finding distance of a block with an unattached spring

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 9 kg block being pushed against a spring and then released, with the goal of determining how far the block travels along a horizontal plane before stopping. The scenario includes considerations of kinetic friction and energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using energy methods, specifically kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (U) related to the spring. There are questions about how to incorporate the work done against friction into the energy equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using energy conservation principles, while others are clarifying how to account for the work done by friction. There is an ongoing exploration of how to set up the energy equations correctly.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of kinetic friction and the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in the context of the problem. There is an emphasis on ensuring all forces and energy changes are accounted for in the analysis.

Robertoalva
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1. A 9 kg block is pushed by an external force against a spring with spring constant 118 N/m until the spring is compressed by 2.1 m from its uncompressed length (x= 0). The block rests on a horizontal plane that has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.67 but is NOT attached to the spring. After all the external forces are removed (so the compressed spring releases the mass) how far D along the plane will the block move before coming to a stop? The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.



Homework Equations


U=1/2kx^2
KE= 1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



If I'm not mistaken, I have to use one of the acceleration formulas,but first i have to find the velocity of the block with the kinetic energy formula
 
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I suggest using energy methods to solve this.
 
so, i just use KE and U? and how will it be then?
 
Robertoalva said:
so, i just use KE and U?
Don't forget the work done against friction.
 
so then it will be, KE+U-W=Total Energy ?
 
Robertoalva said:
so then it will be, KE+U-W=Total Energy ?
I'd put it this way. At any moment, the total mechanical energy = KE + U. The change in the total mechanical energy will equal the work done by friction.
 

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