Work Problem (Block with spring)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a spring and a block on an inclined plane. The initial calculations for the block's speed as it loses contact with the spring yield a velocity of approximately 1.73 m/s. For part b, participants are confused about the relationship between forces and displacement, particularly regarding the component of gravitational force acting along the incline. In part c, the introduction of friction complicates the calculations, leading to questions about the correct application of energy equations and the role of negative signs in displacement. The overall focus is on understanding the dynamics of motion on an incline with and without friction.
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\Deltax2=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\theta (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\theta*s) + \mumgcos\theta*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\theta*s) + \mumgcos\theta*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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