The potential energy of the block is given by:
V = m*g*h
m mass
g = 9.81m/s²
h height
The potential energy of a spring is given by:
V = 0.5 * k * x²
k spring constant
x compression of the spring
If the block starts from rest it has potential energy, but no kinetic energy. As it slides down the incline potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. When the block hits the spring the kinetic energy is converted into spring's potential energy. If the spring is fully compressed and the block is at rest again, the block has transferred all its energy into the spring. No energy is lost. So we can write:
m * g * h = 0.5 * k * x²
m = 0.5 kg
g = 9.81 m/s²
h = 2.5m * sin 37° = 1,5 m
x = 0,6 m
Solve for k.
k = 2 * m * g * h / x² = 40.8 N/m
Answer:
After sufficient thickness of ice is formed it prevents further loss of heat from the bottom layers of water. This is why fishes and other aquatic animals and plants can survive in ponds and other water bodies even when the atmospheric temperature reaches or is well below 0 degrees.The anomalous expansion of water helps preserve aquatic life during very cold weather. When temperature falls, the top layer of water in a pond contracts becomes denser and sinks to the bottom. ... Thus, even though the upper layer are frozen, the water near the bottom is at 4°C and the fishes can survive in it easily.
To develop this problem it is necessary to apply the concepts related to Gravitational Potential Energy.
Gravitational potential energy can be defined as

As M=m, then

Where,
m = Mass
G =Gravitational Universal Constant
R = Distance /Radius
PART A) As half its initial value is u'=2u, then



Therefore replacing we have that,

Re-arrange to find v,



Therefore the velocity when the separation has decreased to one-half its initial value is 816m/s
PART B) With a final separation distance of 2r, we have that

Therefore




Therefore the velocity when they are about to collide is 
Because the specimen is very small with a light microscope