Maximum distance spring compressed.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum compression of a spring when a block of mass 1.9 kg is dropped from a height of 77 cm onto a spring with a spring constant of 1510 N/m. The initial attempt used the equation mgh = 1/2kx^2, resulting in an incorrect maximum compression value of 0.138 m. The error identified is the failure to account for the gravitational force acting on the block during the compression phase, indicating that additional calculations are necessary to accurately determine the spring's compression.

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AnnieD
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A block of mass m = 1.9 kg is dropped from height h = 77 cm onto a spring of spring constant k = 1510 N/m (Fig. 8-38). Find the maximum distance the spring is compressed.

My attempt:
mgh = 1/2kx^2
(1.9)(9.8)(.77) = (.5)(1510)x^2
x = 0.138m

But it's not the correct answer.
What am I doing wrong?
 
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gravity is still working on the block when it is compressing the spring

by writing h in your potential energy, you are saying that h is the distance onlong which the block "feels" gravity

you are going to need to add something there...

marlon
 

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