Please HELP: A block of mass 2.5 kg is placed against a compressed spring

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block of mass 2.5 kg placed against a compressed spring on an inclined plane, with the spring constant given as k = 2900 N/m. The spring expands by 14 cm when released, and the task is to calculate the maximum distance the block travels up the incline, both with and without friction, where the coefficient of kinetic friction is µk = 0.22. The angle of the incline is specified as 28 degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss separating the problem into different situations involving energy conservation, specifically the conversion of elastic potential energy to gravitational potential energy. Some express confusion about the correct application of energy equations and the role of non-conservative forces in the presence of friction.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the energy conservation principles, with some participants indicating they have made progress on part (a) while still seeking clarity on part (b). Questions about the correct setup for equations involving non-conservative work and the relationship between height and distance traveled up the incline are being raised. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of energy equations and the implications of friction.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the angle of the incline in calculations and express uncertainty about how to incorporate non-conservative forces into their energy equations. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the relationship between the energy states and the geometry of the incline.

questtosuccess
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Homework Statement



A block of mass 2.5 kg is placed against a compressed spring (k = 2900 N/m) at the bottom of an inclined plane. When the spring is released the block is projected up the incline and the spring expands by 14 cm to its normal length.
Calculate the maximum distance traveled by the block up the incline.

** the angle of the incline is 28 degrees.

a.without friction.

b. Repeat the calculation with friction, taking µk = 0.22.

Homework Equations



E=1/2kx^2
E=1/2mv^2
E=mgy + 1/2kx^2
sin(theta)=opp/hyp
xtotal= x1+x3

The Attempt at a Solution



for a) I separated the question into 3 situations: the compressed block, the block at normal length, and the block at its highest point

Situation 1: let y=0m here
E1= 1/2kx^2

Situation 2: let x=0m here
E2=1/2mv^2

Situation 3:
E3= mgy + 1/2kx^2

I used Situation 1 and 3...
E1=E3
1/2kx1^2 = mgy3 + 1/2kx3^2

I used trig ratios to find that y3= 0.14sin28

I solved: x1 = 0.0207 , then added it with x3:
xtotal= x1+x3 = 0.14m - 0.0207m

I feel like I'm doing this completely wrong. Can someone explain step-by-step the correct way to solve for this?

b) I know there has to be non-conservative work done, but I have no clue which situation to use... I'm confused, please help !

& THANK YOU
 
Last edited:
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questtosuccess said:

The Attempt at a Solution



for a) I separated the question into 3 situations: the compressed block, the block at normal length, and the block at its highest point

Situation 1: let y=0m here
E1= 1/2kx^2

Situation 2: let x=0m here
E2=1/2mv^2

Situation 3:
E3= mgy + 1/2kx^2

I used Situation 1 and 3...
E1=E3
1/2kx1^2 = mgy3 + 1/2kx3^2

I used trig ratios to find that y3= 0.14sin28

I solved: x1 = 0.0207 , then added it with x3:
xtotal= x1+x3 = 0.14m - 0.0207m

I feel like I'm doing this completely wrong. Can someone explain step-by-step the correct way to solve for this?

b) I know there has to be non-conservative work done, but I have no clue which situation to use... I'm confused, please help !

& THANK YOU

I think you have over complicated the situation here! Also where did you get the 28° in the sin(28)?


questtosuccess said:

Homework Statement



A block of mass 2.5 kg is placed against a compressed spring (k = 2900 N/m) at the bottom of an inclined plane. When the spring is released the block is projected up the incline and the spring expands by 14 cm to its normal length.
Calculate the maximum distance traveled by the block up the incline.

a.without friction.

b. Repeat the calculation with friction, taking µk = 0.22.

Let's take each line and see what they are saying:

A block of mass 2.5 kg is placed against a compressed spring (k = 2900 N/m) at the bottom of an inclined plane.
So basically you know the mass and the spring constant (m & k).

When the spring is released the block is projected up the incline and the spring expands by 14 cm to its normal length.

So this is telling you what about the extension 'x' of the spring?

Now if there is no friction, then the all of th elastic energy of the spring is converted to potential energy for the block to reach its maximum height.

So you will have E1=E2 or mgh = ½kx2
 
You need the angle of the incline to calculate the distance. Without it, you can only calculate the max elevation in case a). Speaking of which, how is the max elevation related to the initial state of the spring?
 
** sorry, forgot to include the angle; the angle of the incline is 28 degrees.
 
yeaah, i definitely over complicated things. i figured out how to solve for part a).

for part b), do I calculate the non-conservative force (Wnc= Ffdcos180) from the bottom or the top of the incline? How do you know?

E1 + Wnc= E2
or
E1= E2+ Wnc <-- this makes most sense for me right now ...

Thank you !.
 
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questtosuccess said:
yeaah, i definitely over complicated things. i figured out how to solve for part a).

for part b), do I calculate the non-conservative force (Wnc= Ffdcos180) from the bottom or the top of the incline? How do you know?

E1 + Wnc= E2
or
E1= E2+ Wnc <-- this makes most sense for me right now ...

Thank you !.

Well your spring is at the bottom of the incline, so your 'd' is measured from the bottom. Your Wnc should be μFfdcos18, as it is friction you are dealing with.
 
questtosuccess said:
for part b), do I calculate the non-conservative force (Wnc= Ffdcos180) from the bottom or the top of the incline? How do you know?

E1 + Wnc= E2
or
E1= E2+ Wnc <-- this makes most sense for me right now ...

Thank you !.
Energy from work done by non conservative forces can be transferred into or out of the System. Thus sometimes the work can be positive and sometimes it is negative.
Always use your first equation, and use the correct signage for the work done by the non conservative force.
 
PhanthomJay said:
Energy from work done by non conservative forces can be transferred into or out of the System. Thus sometimes the work can be positive and sometimes it is negative.
Always use your first equation, and use the correct signage for the work done by the non conservative force.

So would the equation for part b) be:

E1+Wnc= E2
1/2kx^2 + Ffdcos180 = mgy
1/2kx^2 - μFnd = mg(dsin28)
1/2kx^2= d(mgsin28) + μmgcos28 d
1/2kx^2 = d(mgsin28 + μmgcos28)
d= 1/2kx^2/ mg(sin28+μcos28)
d= 1.75 m

Correct me please; glad to be apart of this forum :)
 
questtosuccess said:
So would the equation for part b) be:

E1+Wnc= E2
1/2kx^2 + Ffdcos180 = mgy
1/2kx^2 - μFnd = mg(dsin28)
1/2kx^2= d(mgsin28) + μmgcos28 d
1/2kx^2 = d(mgsin28 + μmgcos28)
d= 1/2kx^2/ mg(sin28+μcos28)
d= 1.75 m

Correct me please; glad to be apart of this forum :)
Looks right.
 
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  • #10
Thank you to everyone who responded !
 
  • #11
questtosuccess said:
yeaah, i definitely over complicated things. i figured out how to solve for part a).

I realize this is an old thread but I am having trouble understanding part A. Can anyone help?

if i use: mgh = ½kx2 do i find "h" and then use h to determine the length it travels up the ramp (ie. h/sin28=max dist ??)
 
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  • #12
loski said:
I realize this is an old thread but I am having trouble understanding part A. Can anyone help?

if i use: mgh = ½kx2 do i find "h" and then use h to determine the length it travels up the ramp (ie. h/sin28=max dist ??)
Yes, that is correct.
 
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  • #13
isn't the energy due to 1/2kx2 directed at an angle 28; how can it be equal to mgh? I am wondering if i should use the y component of the 1/2kx2?
 
  • #14
andu said:
isn't the energy due to 1/2kx2 directed at an angle 28; how can it be equal to mgh? I am wondering if i should use the y component of the 1/2kx2?

Welcome to Physics forum.
Energy is not a vector quantity.How can you break it into components?
 
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