Question

A block of mass 3 kg moving with a velocity 20m s–1 collides with a spring of
force constant 1200 N m–1. Calculate the maximum compression of the spring.

Answer 1

mass of block, m = 3kg

velocity of block by which it collides with the spring, v = 20m/s

spring constant of spring, K = 1200 N/m

let maximum compression of spring is x meter.

from conservation of energy,

kinetic energy of block = spring potential energy

⇒1/2 mv² = 1/2kx²

⇒mv² = kx²

⇒3 × (20)² = 1200 × x²

⇒3 × 400 = 1200 × x²

⇒ 1200 = 1200 × x²

⇒x = 1

hence, maximum compression of the spring is 1m.