Question

A spring with a constant of `12` `kgs^-2` is lying on the ground with one end attached to a wall. An object with a mass of `5` `kg` and speed of `3` `ms^-1` collides with and compresses the spring until it stops moving. How much will the spring compress?

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of the moving mass, `E_k=1/2mv^2=1/2*5*3^2=22.5` `J`, will be converted to spring potential energy, `E_p=1/2kx^2`. Rearranging this yields a compression of `x=sqrt((2E_p)/k)=1.94` `m`.

Explanation:

I think it's all there above. ;-)