Math Problem Statement

As shown in the figure, a 1.50-kg box is held at rest against a spring with a force constant k = 715 N/m that is compressed a distance d. When the box is released, it slides across a surface that is frictionless, except for a rough patch that has a coefficient of kinetic friction 𝜇k = 0.400 and is 6.00 cm in length. If the speed of the box is 1.90 m/s after sliding across the rough patch, determine the initial compression d of the spring.  cm

Solution

To determine the initial compression dd of the spring, we can use the principle of energy conservation, considering the potential energy stored in the spring and the work done against friction as the box slides across the rough patch.

  1. Potential Energy in the Spring: The potential energy PEPE stored in the spring when compressed is given by: PE=12kd2PE = \frac{1}{2} k d^2 where k=715N/mk = 715 \, \text{N/m} and dd is the compression.

  2. Kinetic Energy after the Rough Patch: The kinetic energy KEKE of the box after it has slid across the rough patch is: KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 where m=1.50kgm = 1.50 \, \text{kg} and v=1.90m/sv = 1.90 \, \text{m/s}.

  3. Work Done Against Friction: The work done against friction WfW_f while sliding through the rough patch is given by: Wf=fkdroughW_f = f_k \cdot d_{rough} where the kinetic friction force fkf_k is: fk=μkmgf_k = \mu_k m g Here, μk=0.400\mu_k = 0.400, g=9.81m/s2g = 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2, and drough=0.06md_{rough} = 0.06 \, \text{m}.

Step 1: Calculate the work done against friction

Calculating fkf_k: fk=0.400×1.50kg×9.81m/s2=5.886Nf_k = 0.400 \times 1.50 \, \text{kg} \times 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 5.886 \, \text{N}

Now, calculate WfW_f: Wf=fkdrough=5.886N×0.06m=0.35316JW_f = f_k \cdot d_{rough} = 5.886 \, \text{N} \times 0.06 \, \text{m} = 0.35316 \, \text{J}

Step 2: Calculate the kinetic energy after the rough patch

Calculating KEKE: KE=12×1.50kg×(1.90m/s)2=12×1.50×3.61=2.7115JKE = \frac{1}{2} \times 1.50 \, \text{kg} \times (1.90 \, \text{m/s})^2 = \frac{1}{2} \times 1.50 \times 3.61 = 2.7115 \, \text{J}

Step 3: Apply the energy conservation principle

The initial potential energy in the spring is equal to the kinetic energy after sliding and the work done against friction: 12kd2=KE+Wf\frac{1}{2} k d^2 = KE + W_f

Substituting the known values: 12×715N/m×d2=2.7115J+0.35316J\frac{1}{2} \times 715 \, \text{N/m} \times d^2 = 2.7115 \, \text{J} + 0.35316 \, \text{J}

Simplifying: 12×715d2=3.06466J\frac{1}{2} \times 715 \, d^2 = 3.06466 \, \text{J} 715d2=6.12932715 \, d^2 = 6.12932 d2=6.12932715d^2 = \frac{6.12932}{715} d20.00856d^2 \approx 0.00856 d0.008560.0925m=9.25cmd \approx \sqrt{0.00856} \approx 0.0925 \, \text{m} = 9.25 \, \text{cm}

Final Answer

The initial compression dd of the spring is approximately 9.25 cm.

If you have any questions or need further details, let me know! Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. How does the coefficient of friction affect the speed after the rough patch?
  2. What would happen if the surface were completely frictionless?
  3. How does changing the mass of the box influence the spring compression?
  4. What is the potential energy change if the spring constant is doubled?
  5. How would you calculate the work done if the rough patch were longer?

Tip: Always check the units in your calculations to ensure consistency and accuracy!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Energy Conservation
Friction

Formulas

PE = 1/2 k d^2
KE = 1/2 m v^2
W_f = f_k * d_rough
f_k = μ_k * m * g

Theorems

Conservation of Energy

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12