Motion of a Mass Attached to a Spring: Analyzing x(t) and Kinetic Energy

[nyyfan0729]

A block of mass 0.5kg moving on a horizontal frictionless surface at 2.0 m/s collides with and sticks to a massless pan attached to the end of a horizontal ideal spring whose spring constan is 32 N/m.

a) Determine the function for x(t), the displacement from equilibrium position as a function of time.
Do I use the formula x(t) = Vo/w(sinwt)-Xo(coswt). How would i use that cause i don't have a t.

b) What is the period T, of the subsequent oscillations?
Do I just use T=2pi(m/k)^(1/2)

c) What is the kinetic energy of the mass 4.0 sec after it collides with the spring?
d) What force is exerted by the spring on the block at t=1.2 sec? Which way is the block moving? Explain

 

[Chi Meson]

a) you need to find the equivalent of w in terms of k and m

b) yes

c) go back to the answer for a), find the similar formula for v, and...

d) again, go to a) find position for the given time, then see if some law "hookes" you.