Solving Spring and Block: Find Block Speed

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A spring compressed by 6 cm propels a 6 kg block along a rough surface, where it travels 1.2 m before stopping. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.4, and the problem involves calculating the speed of the block as it leaves the spring. By applying the conservation of energy principle, the kinetic energy of the block is equated to the work done against friction. The derived formula for speed is v = square root of (2kNd/m), resulting in a speed of 3.07 m/s. The calculations confirm that the assumptions about distance and friction were correct.
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[SOLVED] Spring and Block

A spring is compressed 6 cm and an 6 kg block is placed against it. when the spring is released the block shoots forward along a rough, horizontal surface traveling 1.2 m before coming to a stop. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface is 0.4. Find the speed acquired by the block as it leaves the spring.




I try to use conservation of energy but I'm having trouble since I'm not given k or v (find k would be the second question).
 
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Although the problem does not make it clear, let's assume that the 1.2 m does not include the 6 cm that the spring expands. Further, assume that the rough surface only begins after the spring has expanded.

The block leaves the spring with some speed. What happens to its KE? How much work is done by friction?
 
GOT it, I kept assuming that I need to use the potential of the spring. All i need was..

1/2mv^2 = k(coefficient of kinetic friction)Nd
v = square root of (2kNd/m) = 3.07 m/s matches up perfect

Also, I used the 1.2 m for d.

thx.
 
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