How Far Up the Incline Does the Object Travel Before Sliding Back Down?

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SUMMARY

The problem involves a spring with a spring constant of 40.0 N/m at the base of a frictionless 30.0° inclined plane, where a 0.50 kg object is compressed 0.4 m against the spring. The object is released, and the goal is to determine how far up the incline it travels before coming to rest. The correct approach involves using the equation (1/2)kx² = mgh to find the height (h), but the final answer must be converted to the distance along the incline, which requires understanding the relationship between height and incline distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational potential energy (mgh)
  • Trigonometry to relate height and distance along an incline
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles
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  • Learn how to convert vertical height to distance along an incline using trigonometric functions
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Explore problems involving springs and inclined planes for practical applications
  • Review the derivation and application of Hooke's Law in various contexts
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vrobins1
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Homework Statement



A spring with k = 40.0 N/m is at the base of a frictionless 30.0° inclined plane. A 0.50 kg object is pressed against the spring, compressing it 0.4 m from its equilibrium position. The object is then released. If the object is not attached to the spring, how far up the incline does it travel before coming to rest and then sliding back down?


Homework Equations



I tried to use the formula (1/2)kx2=mgh


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried (1/2)(40)(.4)2=.5(9.8)h, solving for h.

The first time I worked it out, I got h=.65306. I tried entering .65, .653, .7 3 separate times into my homework website, and they were all incorrect. I tried working the problem out again, and got h=15.68. I tried submitting 15.7 and 16 as answers, and they were both incorrect as well.
If anyone can offer any insight, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Hi vrobins1,

You were on the right track when you found the first answer for h. However, they want the distance along the incline. What does h represent, and how is that related to the distance traveled along the incline? Once you answer those questions I think you'll get the right answer.
 

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