A large block is initially at rest 2.5 m above the top end of a relaxed spring,

Question

A large block is initially at rest 2.5 m above the top end of a relaxed spring, Take this as "Event A". The block is released and hits the spring, compressiong it. Eventually, there will be some instant at which the block is at rest and the spring is maximally compressed, take this as "Event B". (after this instant, the block rebounds)

a.) Describe the changes of the blocks energy between Event A, and Event B.

b.) Describe the changes of the block + spring system's energy between event A and Event B.

Explanation / Answer

a) the gravitational potential energy of the block decreases between event A and event B.

b) the system energy remains constant between event A and event B.

c) decrease in gravitational potential energy = increase in spring potential energy.

mg(h+x) = (1/2)kx2

10 x 9.8 x( 2.5 +0.75) = (1/2) k(0.75)2

=> k = 1132.44 N/m

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