Compute all parts of given question:
Question: A 0.610 kg block slides on a frictionless, horizontal surface with a speed of 1.57 m/s. The block encounters an unstretched spring and compresses it 25 cm before coming to rest.
Part A: What is the force constant of this spring? _______ N/m
Part B: For what length of time is the block in contact with the spring before it comes to rest? _______ s
Part C: If the force constant of the spring is decreased, does the time required to stop the block increase, decrease, or stay the same? Explain.
Please show all intermediate steps and formulas for above question.