As shown in the diagram, a block with a mass of m slides on a frictionless, horizontal surface with a constant velocity of vi. It then collides with a spring that has a spring constant of k. The block fully compresses the spring, comes to rest briefly, and then moves in the opposite direction with a velocity of -vi.
Examine the situation shown in part (c) of the diagram
a. What is kinetic energy of the block?
b. What is the potential energy associated with the block's position?
c. What is the mechanical energy for this system?
Examine the situation shown in part (d) of the diagram,
a. What is the kinetic energy of the block?
b. What is the potential energy associated with the block's position?
c. What is the mcchanical energy for this system?