Question

a block with mass 0.50 kg is forced against a horizontal spring of negligible mass, compressing the spring a distance of 0.20 m. when the block is released, the block moves on a horizontal table (with friction) for 1.7 m before coming to rest. the spring constant is 82 n/m. determine the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the table.

Answer 1

The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the tabletop is 0.41.

The given parameters;

mass of the block, m = 0.5 kg

extension of the spring, x = 0.2 m

spring constant, K = 100 N/m

The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the tabletop by applying the principle of conservation of energy as shown below.

Fd = Uₓ

μmgd = ¹/₂kx²

where;

μ is the coefficient of kinetic friction

The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the tabletop;

Thus, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the tabletop is 0.41.