A 200 gram block is dropped onto a relaxed vertical spring that has a spring constant of k =2.4 N/cm. The block becomes attached to the spring and compresses the spring 12 centimeters before momentarily stopping.
(a) While the spring is being compressed, find what work is done on the block by the gravitational force on it?
(b) Find the work done on the block by the spring force while the spring is being compressed?
(c) Find the speed of the block just before it hits the spring? (Suppose that friction is negligible.)
(d) If the speed at impact is doubled, determine the maximum compression of the spring?