A block of mass m = 1.5 kg is released from rest at a height of H = 0.81 m on a curved frictionless ramp. At the foot of the ramp is a spring whose spring constant is k = 250.0 N/m. What is the maximum compression of the spring, x?

0.31 m

Explanation:

m = mass of the block = 1.5 kg

H = height from which the block is released on ramp = 0.81 m

k = spring constant of the spring = 250 N/m

x = maximum compression of the spring

using conservation of energy

Spring potential energy gained by spring = Potential energy lost by block

(0.5) k x² = mgH

(0.5) (250) x² = (1.5) (9.8) (0.81)

x = 0.31 m