Question

A 1kg ball is dropped (from rest) 100m onto a spring with spring constant 125N/m. How much does the spring compress?

Answer 1

Answer:

3.95 m

Explanation:

m = 1 kg, h = 100 m, k = 125 N/m

Let the spring is compressed by y.

Use the conservation of energy

potential energy of the mass is equal to the energy stored in the spring

m x g x h = 1/2 x ky^2

1 x 9.8 x 100 = 0.5 x 125 x y^2

y^2 = 15.68

y = 3.95 m