A block of mass 0.500 kg is pushed against a horizontal spring of negligible mass

until the spring is compressed a distance x ( see Fig. below)The force constant ofthe
spring is 450 N/rn. When it is released the block travels along a frictionless, horizontal
surface to point B, the bottom of a vertical circular track ofradius R = 1.00 m, and
continues to move along the track. The speed ofthe block at the bottom ofthe track is vB
= 12.0 m/s, and the block experiences an average friction force of 7.00 N while sliding up
the track.
a) What is x?
b) What speed do you predict for the block at the top ofthe track?
c) Does the block actually reach the top ofthe track or does it fall off before reaching the top?

1 answer

a) x = 0.222 m
b) The speed of the block at the top of the track is predicted to be 11.2 m/s.
c) The block does reach the top of the track.