A 1.80 kg block slides on a frictionless horizontal surface. The block hits a spring with a speed of 2.00 m/s and compresses it a distance of 11.0 cm before coming to rest. What is the force constant of the spring?

Answer 1

When compressed the maximum amount , the potential eneegy stored in the spring equals the initial kinetic energy. Thus

(1/2) k X^2 = (1/2) M Vo^2

k = M(Vo/X)^2

Vo = 0.11 m

Solve for k

k will have units of N/m