AP TEST PROBLEM SPRING AND INCLINE

A 20 KG MASS, RELEASED FROM REST, SLIDES 6 METERS DOWN A FRICTIONLESS PLANE INCLINED AT AN ANGLE OF 30º WITH THE HORIZONTAL AND STRIKES A SPRING OF SPRING CONSTANT K = 200 N/M AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAM. ASSUME THAT THE SPRING IS IDEAL, THAT THE MASS OF THE SPRING IS NEGLIGIBLE, AND THAT MECHANICAL ENERGY IS CONSERVED. USE g = 10 M/S2.

A) DETERMINE THE SPEED OF THE BLOCK JUST BEFORE IT HITS THE SPRING.

B) DETERMINE THE DISTANCE THE SPRING HAS BEEN COMPRESSED WHEN THE BLOCK COMES TO REST.

C) IS THE SPEED OF THE BLOCK A MAXIMUM AT THE INSTANT THE BLOCK STRINGS THE SPRING? JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWER.