Question

A 50 g ice cube can slide without friction up and down a 30â slope. the ice cube is pressed against a spring at the bottom of the slope, compressing the spring 10 cm. the spring constant is 25 n/m. when the ice cube is released, what total distance will it travel up the slope before reversing direction?

Answer 1

Fk= mgcostheta * coefficient of friction
Fk= (.05kg)(9.80)(cos30)(.20)=.085 N

change in thermal energy= Fk* distance covered up slope (d)
change in thermal energy = .085 * d

the final height so y=dsin30

Kf + Uf + change in thermal energy = Ki + Ui

(.05kg)(9.80)(dsin30) + (.085d) = (.5)(25 N/m)(.1m)^2

d= .379 m = 37.9 cm