Spring launched box sliding over friction surface

AI Thread Summary
A block with a mass of 14 kg is accelerated by a spring with a spring constant of 4085 N/m after being compressed 0.546 m. When the spring is only stretched 0.162 m, the problem focuses on how far the block slides into a rough patch with a coefficient of friction of 0.43 before coming to rest. The discussion emphasizes using conservation of energy to find the initial velocity of the block after it leaves the spring and then applying equations of motion to determine the distance traveled on the rough surface. Participants suggest clarifying the source of force acting on the block and considering the energy conversion from the spring to kinetic energy. The conversation highlights the importance of explicitly stating reasoning and strategies to solve the problem effectively.
Yae Miteo
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Homework Statement



A block with mass m = 14 kg rests on a frictionless table and is accelerated by a spring with spring constant k = 4085 N/m after being compressed a distance x_1 = 0.546 m from the spring’s unstretched length. The floor is frictionless except for a rough patch a distance d = 2.6 m long. For this rough path, the coefficient of friction is μ = 0.43.

(This is one part of a multi-part problem. The current part is part 5.)

Instead, the spring is only stretched a distance x_2 = 0.162 m before being released.
How far into the rough patch does the block slide before coming to rest?

Homework Equations



F=-\int kxdx

v^2 = v_o^2 + 2ax

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



using
v^2 = v_o^2 + 2ax
solve for x
x = -\cfrac{mv_o^2}{2(F-f)}
plug in F
x = \cfrac {mv_o^2}{2(k \int xdx - mg \mu)}
but I'm not sure where to go from here.
 
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I think you should use conservation of energy.
Firstly potential energy of spring will get converted into kinetic energy.From this you can find initial velocity of the block (velocity after leaving the spring).Then use equations of motion to find the answer.
After leaving the spring what will be the acceleration of the block?
 
Presumably the rough patch lies beyond the maximum extension of the spring+length of the box.
To proceed - you should explicitly state your reasoning: what is your strategy?
i.e. where does the force F come from? If it comes from the spring: consider - is the spring still pushing on the crate when there is friction?

Have you tried using a work-energy type argument?
(Satvik is suggesting the long way around ... where does the energy of the spring finally end up?)
 
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