Displacement of spring, block down an incline

In summary, the problem involves an inclined plane with a spring fastened at the bottom and a block placed on it. The block is projected downward towards the spring and the question is asking for the distance the spring is compressed when the block momentarily comes to rest. The solution involves using the equations for kinetic energy and potential energy, and after simplifying, the distance is found to be 0.183 meters. However, the mistake in the solution is that the potential energy should also include the component of gravity in the direction of the inclined plane.
  • #1
booksrmylife
5
0

Homework Statement



An inclined plane of angle θ = 20.0° has a spring of force constant k = 460 N/m fastened securely at the bottom so that the spring is parallel to the surface as shown in the figure below. A block of mass m = 2.55 kg is placed on the plane at a distance d = 0.288 m from the spring. From this position, the block is projected downward toward the spring with speed v = 0.750 m/s. By what distance is the spring compressed when the block momentarily comes to rest?

http://www.webassign.net/serpse8/7-p-063.gif (this shows an image if you can get there)

Homework Equations



dE=dk+du=0

Kf-Ki+Dfsp-Disp+Dfg-Dig=0
Ki=1/2mv^2
Dfsp=1/2kx^2
Dig= mg(h+x)

The Attempt at a Solution



Kf,Disp, and Dfg all Equal zero
so by substitution:

-1/2mv^2+1/2kx^2-mg(h+x)=0
-2.55(.75^2)/2+230x^2-24.99sin20(.288)-24.99x=0

230x^2-24.99x-3.18=0

so x should be .183, but that's wrong
 
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  • #2
booksrmylife said:
Dig= mg(h+x)
How do you get that?
As far as i can see, i think it should have been mg[h + x(sin20.0)]
Don't you think so??



Hope you understood the mistake!
 

Related to Displacement of spring, block down an incline

1. What is the displacement of a spring when a block is moved down an incline?

The displacement of a spring depends on several factors, such as the mass of the block, the angle of the incline, and the spring constant. However, in general, the displacement can be calculated using the equation x = F/k, where x is the displacement, F is the force applied, and k is the spring constant.

2. How does the angle of the incline affect the displacement of the spring?

The angle of the incline affects the displacement of the spring because it changes the gravitational force acting on the block. As the angle increases, the force pulling the block down the incline increases, resulting in a larger displacement of the spring.

3. Can the displacement of the spring be negative?

Yes, the displacement of the spring can be negative if the force applied to the block is greater than the force of the spring, causing the spring to compress in the opposite direction of the displacement.

4. How does the mass of the block affect the displacement of the spring?

The mass of the block affects the displacement of the spring because it determines the force applied to the spring. A heavier block will exert a greater force on the spring, resulting in a larger displacement.

5. Why is the displacement of the spring important in this scenario?

The displacement of the spring is important because it is directly related to the work done on the system. By calculating the displacement, we can determine the amount of potential energy stored in the spring, as well as the work required to compress or stretch the spring. This information is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the system and predicting its behavior.

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