Question

An 7.40 kg block drops straight down from a height of 0.83 m, striking a platform spring having a force constant of 9.50 102 N/m. Find the maximum compression of the spring.

Answer 1

0.25 m.

Step-by-step explanation:

mass of the block = 7.40 kg, height = 0.83 m, force constant of the spring = 9.50 x
`10^(2)` N/m.

The maximum compression on the spring can be determined by;

Potential energy stored in the spring =
`(1)/(2)` K
`x^(2)`

But, potential energy = mgh

So that,

mgh =
`(1)/(2)` K
`x^(2)`

7.4 x 9.8 x 0.83 = 9.50 x
`10^(2)` x
`x^(2)`

60.1916 = 9.50 x
`10^(2)` x
`x^(2)`

`x^(2)`=
`(60.1916)/(9.50*10^(2) )`

= 0.06336

x = 0.2517

x = 0.25 m

The maximum compression of the spring is 0.25 m.