A massless spring with force constant 386 N/m is fastened at its left end to a v

Question

A massless spring with force constant 386 N/m is fastened at its left end to a vertical

wall, as shown below. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Initially, the 9 kg block and 4 kg block rest

on a horizontal surface with the 9 kg block in contact with the spring (but not compressingit) and with the 4 kg block in contact with the

9 kg block. The 9 kg block is then moved to the left, compressing the spring a distance of 0.3 m, and held in place while the 4 kg block

remains at rest as shown below. Determine the elastic energy U stored in the compressed spring.

Answer in units of J.

Explanation / Answer

Determine the elastic energy U stored in the compressed spring is

U = 0.5*k*x^2

= 0.5* 386 N/m*(0.3 m)^2

= 17.37 J

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