A compressed spring catapult launches a ball vertically upward

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A compressed spring catapult launches a

0.50\,\text{kg}

ball vertically upward. The ball rises to a maximum height of

8.0\,\text{m}

above the launch point. Assume no energy losses and take

g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2

. (i) Calculate the gravitational potential energy gained by the ball at its highest point. (ii) If the spring was compressed by

0.15\,\text{m}

before release, determine the spring constant of the spring.