Work Problem (Block with spring)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block on an inclined plane with a spring at the bottom. The spring is compressed, and the block is released to move up the incline. The discussion covers the effects of friction and gravitational forces on the block's motion, as well as energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between spring potential energy and kinetic energy, questioning the need for certain variables like distance and height. They explore the components of gravitational force acting on the block and how these relate to motion up the incline.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the direction of forces and the implications of negative signs in calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the energy equations and the interpretation of forces, but multiple interpretations and calculations are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the necessary parameters for solving parts b and c, particularly the height and distance traveled by the block. Participants also discuss the effects of friction and the correct application of energy conservation principles in their calculations.

Chandasouk
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Homework Statement



A spring (k=600 N/m) is at the bottom of an inclined plane that makes and angle θ=30° with the horizontal. The spring is compressed by 0.10 m and a block of mass M=2.0 kg is placed against it, as shown below. The block is then released from rest.

a) Determine the speed of the block just as it loses contact with the spring.

b) First assume that the plane is frictionless. How high up the incline ( L in the diagram) will the block travel before it stops momentarily?

c) Next you repeat the experiment, but first you roughen up the block with sandpaper so that there is now friction between the block and the plane beyond where the block leaves the spring. If the coefficient of friction is now μ=0.2, how high up the incline (L in the diagram) will the block travel before it stops momentarily?


For a picture of the diagram http://egp.rutgers.edu/115/115072nd1.pdf

it is the second problem...


a) I said the Initial Uspring = Final KEf

1/2k[tex]\Delta[/tex]x2=1/2mv2

1/2(600n/m)(.10m)^2=1/2(2kg)v^2

V = 1.73m/s ?

For parts b and c, i am confused because they do not give you the L, distance the block slides, or the H (the height of the inclined plane)
 
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Since the angle of inclination is given, L and H are not required.
Find out which force is preventing its motion in the upward direction. In other wards, what is the component of g along the inclined plane?
 
Well, weight is mg and that equals (2kg)(-9.8)= -19.6N

Fn is mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex] (2kg)(9.8)cos(30) which equals 16.9N
 
What happens to the other component weight which acts along the surface of the inclined plane?
Then use the energy equation
1/2*m*v^2 = F*s. where s is the displacement along the inclined plane.
 
um, gravity's x component is

sin30*(2)(-9.8)= -9.8N or would this be positive? Is it pointing the same direction the block is moving or away?

1/2*m*v^2 = F*s

1/2(2)(1.73)^2 = (-9.8N)s

s= -0.31m

okay, I'm thinkin the -9.8N is positive because you can't travel -0.31 m but 0.31m
 
Here f ad s are in the opposite direction. So F.S is negative. Hence s = 0.31 m.
 
In my calculation of s, should I just disregard the negative sign then?

for part c

1/2mv^2 = mgh + Ff*s

1/2mv^2 = mg(sin[tex]\theta[/tex]*s) + [tex]\mu[/tex]mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex]*s

1/2(2)(1.73)^2 = (2)(9.8)(sin30*.31)+(0.2)(2)(9.8)cos(30)*s

s=0.013m?
 
Chandasouk said:
In my calculation of s, should I just disregard the negative sign then?

for part c

1/2mv^2 = mgh + Ff*s

1/2mv^2 = mg(sin[tex]\theta[/tex]*s) + [tex]\mu[/tex]mgcos[tex]\theta[/tex]*s

1/2(2)(1.73)^2 = (2)(9.8)(sin30*.31)+(0.2)(2)(9.8)cos(30)*s

s=0.013m?
1/2(2)(1.73)^2 = (2)(9.8)(sin30*.31)+(0.2)(2)(9.8)cos(30)*s
It is not correct.
It should be
1/2(2)(1.73)^2 = [(2)(9.8)(sin30*)+(0.2)(2)(9.8)cos(30)]*s
 
Oh, you distribute out the s. Thanks. For part b though, can you explain to me how it is

1/2*m*v^2 = F*s ?

Would it not have mgh in it's final state? it did move to a higher place than it initially started right?
 

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