Question

The figure shows two springs (k1 = 10 N/m and k2 = 20 N/m ) attached to a block that can slide on a frictionless surface. In the block's equilibrium position, the left spring is compressed by x1 = 2.0 cm.
a) By how much is the right spring compressed?
b) What is the net force on the block if it is moved 14 cm to the right of its equilibrium position?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

a )

Energy stored by left spring when compressed = 1/2 k x²

= .5 x 10 x .02² = .002 J .

Let compression in right spring = y

energy stored to right spring = 1/2 k y²

1/2 k y² = 0.002

.5 x 20 x y² = 0.002

y = .01414 m

= 1.4  cm