the K.E. of the block equals the P.E. of the spring
1/2 m v^2 = 1/2 k x^2
2.9 * 2.1^2 = k * .056^2 ... solve for k ... N/m
2.9 * v^2 = k * .014^2
... substitute k and solve for v
A 2.9 kg block slides with a speed of 2.1 m/s on a friction less horizontal surface until it encounters a spring. (a) If the block compresses the spring 5.6 cm before coming to rest, what is the force constant on the spring? (b) What initial speed should the block have to compress the spring by 1.4 cm?
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