Solving for Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

AI Thread Summary
To solve for the coefficient of kinetic friction, the energy stored in the spring must be calculated using the formula U = 1/2 k x^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the compression distance. The initial kinetic energy of the block is equal to the potential energy of the spring when compressed. As the block slides across the table, it loses energy due to friction, which can be expressed as work done against friction (W = f_k * d). The distance the block travels before stopping (75 cm) and the mass of the block (2.0 kg) are crucial for determining the frictional force and, subsequently, the coefficient of kinetic friction. The analysis concludes that the energy lost to friction accounts for the block's stopping distance.
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Homework Statement


You push a 2.0 kg block against a horizontal spring, compressing the spring by 15 cm. When you release the block, the spring forces it to slide across a tabletop. It stops 75 cm from where you released it. The spring constant is 200 N/m. What is the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the table?

Homework Equations


Ki + Uspi = Kf + Uspf


The Attempt at a Solution


i've already set Ki=0 and Uspf=0, but I'm having trouble finding the Vf
 
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So you store energy in the spring, which is then transferred to the block. It then loses this energy and stops. Where did it go?
 
what do you mean where did it go?

the block stopped 75 cm from where it was released
 

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