[figure] A block is simply released from the top of an inclined plane as shown in the figure above. The maximum compression in the spring when the block hits the spring is :
- 6 m
- 5 m
- 1 m
- 2 m
Answer
(4) 2 m
Solution
Work–energy theorem from the top to maximum compression (v = 0 at both ends):
Wg + Wf + Ws = K = 0, height fallen h = 10 30 = 5 m
incline is smooth; friction ( = 0.5) acts only on the part under the spring, i.e. over the compression x
5 10 5 - 0.5 5 10 x - 12 100 x2 = 0
50x2 + 25x - 250 = 0
2x2 + x - 10 = 0
(2x + 5)(x - 2) = 0
x = 2 m
Answer: (4)