Question

Initially sliding with a speed of 2.2m/s, a 1.8kg block collides with a spring and compresses it 0.31m before coming to rest. What is the force constant of the spring?

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of the box will be converted into the elastic potential energy of the spring. Thus,
1/2 kx² = 1/2 mv²
k = mv²/x²
k = 1.8 * 2.2² / (0.31)²

k = 90.7 N/m