You must mean k = 1.16*10^3 N/m
The decrease in gravitational P.E. equals the stored spring P.E when it stops (at maximum compression, X).
M g (1.31 + X) = (1/2) k X^2
The X is on the left because gravity does additional work during compression. A quadratic equation solution will be needed. Your teacher may expect you to neglect the X term and get a simpler (but approximate) answer.
An 6.82 kg block drops straight down from a height of 1.31 m, striking a platform spring having a force constant of 1.16 103 N/m. Find the maximum compression of the spring
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