Solving a Spring Compression Puzzle: Work Done by Gravity

AI Thread Summary
A 250g block compresses a vertical spring with a spring constant of 2.5 N/cm by 12 cm after being dropped. The discussion focuses on calculating the work done on the block by gravitational forces and the spring. The user questions whether the work done by gravity equals the work done by the spring, referencing the definition of work as energy transfer. They propose a calculation for the work done by the spring as -0.018 Joules but seek confirmation on its correctness. The conversation emphasizes understanding the relationship between gravitational work and spring work in this context.
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Spring Question!

A 250g block is dropped onto a relaxed vertical spring that has a spring constant of 2.5N/cm. The block becomes attached to the spring compresses the spring 12 cm before momentarily stoppoing.
While the spring is being compressed, what work is done on the block by
(a)The gravitational forces on it?

Can anyone tell me where to start?
 
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(b)what work is done on the block by the spring?

is it this simple:

Ws = -0.5k(x^2)

Ws = -0.018 Joules

?
 
Last edited:
shouldn't the work done by gravity equal the work done by the spring?

What is the usual definition of work?
 
energy transferred to or from an object via a force acting on the object. energy transferred from the object is negative..energy transferred to the object is positive.

Ok..So is my answer Correct
?
 
??
Anyone??
 

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