A small block is released from rest at the top of a frictionless ramp and lands on a…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
A small block is released from rest at the top of a frictionless ramp and lands on a vertical spring, compressing it before momentarily stopping. Which choice of system boundaries ensures that the system’s total mechanical energy remains constant from the moment of release until the spring is maximally compressed (air resistance is negligible)?
(a) Block + spring
(b) Block only
(c) Block + Earth + spring
(d) Block + Earth