Question

An object of mass m is traveling on a horizontal surface. There is a coefficient of kinetic friction  between the object and the surface. The object has speed v when it reaches x = 0 and encounters a spring. The object compresses the spring, stops, and then recoils and travels in the opposite direction. When the object reaches x = 0 on its return trip, it stops.
Find k, the spring constant in terms of other given quantities.

Answer 1

Answer:

8m * (μg/v)^2

Explanation:

k, the spring constant = ?

(k in terms of μ, m, g, and v.)

Frictional force = μmg

Note: lost KE is converted to work done against the friction + PE of the spring

1/2mv2 = μmgx + 1/2kx^2....equation i

Cancel the 1/2 on both sides

mv^2 = μmgx + kx^2

Lets recall that:

Due to frictional effect, further enegy will be lost when the spring recoils backward

Therefore

1/2kx^2 = μmgx..... equation ii

Let's substitute 1/2kx^2 in equation I for ii

So we can say that:

1/2mv^2 = (μmgx)+ μmgx

1/2mv^2 = 2 (μmgx)

1/4mv^2 = μmgx

Cancel out m on both sides

1/4v^2 = μgx

Make x subject of the formula

x = (1/4v^2) / (μg)...... equation iii

substitute x to equation ii

But first make k in equation ii subject of the formula

1/2kx^2 = μmgx

k = 2μmg/x

Now substitute x

k = 2μmg / ((1/4v^2) / (μg))

k = 2μmg * ((μg) / (1/4v^2))

k = 8m * (μg/v)^2

8m * (μg/v)^2