A block of mass is released from rest at the top of a smooth incline that is high…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A block of mass 2.0kg is released from rest at the top of a smooth incline that is 0.80m high above a horizontal table. A light horizontal spring of force constant 1000Nm−1 is fixed at the foot of the incline so that the lower end of the incline and the uncompressed spring lie in the same horizontal plane. After leaving the incline, the block moves horizontally and compresses the spring until it momentarily comes to rest. Take g=9.8ms−2.
(i) Calculate the speed of the block as it reaches the horizontal table.
(ii) Determine the maximum compression produced in the spring, assuming no energy losses.