A ball with a mass of #420 g# is projected vertically by a spring loaded contraption. The spring in the contraption has a spring constant of #18 (kg)/s^2# and was compressed by #6/5 m# when the ball was released. How high will the ball go?

1 Answer
Apr 16, 2016

#~~2.62m#

Explanation:

By conservation of mechanical energy
PE of the ball at its maximum height when projected by the spring will be equal to PE of the contracted spring
If h m be the max height attained by the ball then

#mgh=1/2xxkxxx^2#
where

  • m= mass = 0.42kg
  • g = acceleration due to gravity #= 9.8m/s^2#
  • h = maximum height =?
  • k = force constant of spring = #18(kg)/s^2#
  • x=compression of spring =#6/5m=1.2m#

#h =(kx^2)/(2mg)=(18xx1.2)/(2xx0.42xx9.8)~~2.62m#