Block Launched by a Spring on an Incline

← Back to Problems
Work and Energy Beginner Spring

Source: Principles of Physics

Problem

A block of mass $m$ is placed against a spring with spring constant $k$ on a frictionless incline with an angle of inclination $\theta$. The block is not attached to the spring. The spring is initially compressed by a distance $x$ from its equilibrium position. The block is then released from rest.

  1. What is the initial elastic potential energy $U_e$ stored in the compressed spring?
  2. What is the change in the gravitational potential energy $\Delta U_g$ of the block-Earth system as the block moves from the release point to its highest point on the incline?
  3. How far $d$ along the incline does the block travel from its release point to its highest point?

[Q1] $U_e = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$ [Q2] $\Delta U_g = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$ [Q3] $d = \frac{kx^2}{2mg\sin\theta}$

The principle of conservation of mechanical energy applies as the incline is frictionless. Let the release point of the block be the reference level for gravitational potential energy ($U_{g,i} = 0$).

[Q1] The elastic potential energy stored in a spring compressed by a distance $x$ is given by:

$$U_e = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$

[Q2, Q3] The system's initial energy $E_i$ is entirely the elastic potential energy of the spring, as the block is at rest ($K_i=0$) and at the reference height ($U_{g,i}=0$).

$$E_i = U_e = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$

At the highest point, a distance $d$ up the incline, the block momentarily comes to rest ($K_f=0$). The block is no longer in contact with the spring, so the final elastic potential energy is zero ($U_{e,f}=0$). The final gravitational potential energy $U_{g,f}$ is due to the vertical height gain $h = d\sin\theta$.

$$E_f = U_{g,f} = mgh = mgd\sin\theta$$

By conservation of energy, $E_i = E_f$:

$$\frac{1}{2}kx^2 = mgd\sin\theta$$

[Q2] The change in gravitational potential energy is $\Delta U_g = U_{g,f} - U_{g,i} = mgd\sin\theta$. From the energy conservation equation, we see that this is equal to the initial elastic potential energy.

$$\Delta U_g = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$

[Q3] To find the distance $d$, we rearrange the energy conservation equation:

$$d = \frac{kx^2}{2mg\sin\theta}$$