Speed of Block against spring

In summary, the problem involves a 1.3 kg block colliding with a horizontal spring with a spring constant of 491 N/m. The block compresses the spring by 5.0 cm and has a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.49. To calculate the speed of the block when it hits the spring, three equations are needed: the work done by the spring, the kinetic energy, and the work done by friction. By setting these equations equal to each other and solving for the speed, the answer can be found.
  • #1
bulldog23
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0

Homework Statement



A moving 1.3 kg block collides with a horizontal spring whose spring constant is 491 N/m.The block compresses the spring a maximum distance of 5.0 cm from its rest postion. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the horizontal surface is 0.49.What is the speed of the block when it hits the spring?

Homework Equations


W_spring=1/2kx^2
KE=1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I do not understand how to calculate the blocks velocity. Can someone help me out with this one?
 
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  • #2
There is one more equation, having to do with the work done by friction.

Think energy:

What happens to the KE of the moving block? (Where does it "go"?)
 
  • #3
Does the kinetic energy go against the friction force. So would it be F_fric=U_k*mgd?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
energy is energy, force is force. Energy doesn't "go against" force.

The work done by friction, is [tex]F_f d[/tex]

And that is what I think you have written: [tex]W_f = \mu mgd[/tex]

When the spring is at full compression, how much KE has been "lost"? Some of it has transformed (conserved as mechanical energy) and some has been dissipated (as heat). All energy has to be accounted for.

3 equations, put them together.
 
  • #5
W_f=umgd
KE=1/2mv^2
W_spring=1/2kx^2

How do you relate these three equations to get a speed? That is what I am struggling with.
 

What is the speed of a block when it is released from a spring?

The speed of a block when it is released from a spring depends on the spring constant, the amount of force applied to the spring, and the mass of the block. It can be calculated using the equation v = √(2kx/m), where v is the speed, k is the spring constant, x is the displacement of the spring, and m is the mass of the block.

How does the spring constant affect the speed of a block?

The spring constant directly affects the speed of a block released from a spring. A higher spring constant means that the spring is stiffer and will exert a greater force on the block, resulting in a higher speed. Conversely, a lower spring constant will result in a lower speed.

What happens to the speed of the block if the force applied to the spring is increased?

If the force applied to the spring is increased, the speed of the block will also increase. This is because the increased force will cause the spring to compress more, resulting in a greater displacement and a higher speed according to the equation v = √(2kx/m).

How does the mass of the block affect its speed when released from a spring?

The mass of the block also plays a role in determining its speed when released from a spring. A heavier block will have a lower speed compared to a lighter block, assuming all other variables are constant. This is because the heavier block will require more force to be displaced by the spring and will have a slower acceleration.

Can the speed of a block released from a spring be greater than the initial compression speed?

Yes, it is possible for the speed of a block released from a spring to be greater than the initial compression speed. This can occur if there is additional force applied to the block after it is released from the spring, such as a push or a pull. In this case, the block will continue to accelerate and its final speed will be greater than the initial compression speed.

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