Question

A block of mass m = 2.0 kg is dropped from height h = 40 cm onto a spring of spring constant k = 1960 N/m (Fig.8-39 page 204).Find the maximum distance the spring is compressed.

Answer 1

Gravitational acceleration = g = 9.8 m/s2

Mass of the block = m = 2 kg

Height from which the block is dropped = h = 40 cm = 0.4 m

Spring constant = k = 1960 N/m

Maximum distance the spring is compressed = X

By conservation of energy the initial potential energy of the block is converted into the potential energy of the spring as it gets compressed.

X = 0.1 m or -0.08 m

Distance cannot be negative.

X = 0.1 m

Maximum distance the spring is compressed = 0.1 m