Is this a trick question? more springs

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flyingpig
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Homework Statement



A block with mass m is held against a compressed spring and then the spring is allowed to uncompress giving the block a velocity. The block slides to the right and then up an incline. Find the maximum height that the block reaches if the incline is [tex]\theta[/tex] degrees. All surfaces are frictionless, the spring constant is k and the initial spring compression is [tex]x_0[/tex].


The Attempt at a Solution



It says it gives the block a certain velocity, but that is after it releases right? So initally it still at rest. Also is the angle really necessary?

So really is it just

[tex]\frac{1}{2}kx_0 ^2 = mgh[/tex]
 
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flyingpig said:

Homework Statement



A block with mass m is held against a compressed spring and then the spring is allowed to uncompress giving the block a velocity. The block slides to the right and then up an incline. Find the maximum height that the block reaches if the incline is [tex]\theta[/tex] degrees. All surfaces are frictionless, the spring constant is k and the initial spring compression is [tex]x_0[/tex].


The Attempt at a Solution



It says it gives the block a certain velocity, but that is after it releases right? So initally it still at rest. Also is the angle really necessary?

So really is it just

[tex]\frac{1}{2}kx_0 ^2 = mgh[/tex]

You are right about the velocity.
With regard to height, I would agree you don't need the angle if you are considering vertical height gain, which makes me wonder if they are expecting an answer like x metres up the slope, rather than a vertical height gain??