A blob of clay of mass M is dropped onto a spring from a height h above the end of the spring. If the spring compresses by an amount d as the blob comes to rest, what is the spring constant k? A) 2Mgh/d² B) Mgh/d² C) Mg(h+d)/d² D) 2Mg(h+d)/d²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy (Mgh) and the additional energy due to the spring compression (Mg*d) are converted into spring potential energy (1/2 * k * d^2). Solving for k gives k = 2Mg(h+d)/d^2.

A Blob of Clay of Mass M Is Dropped onto a Spring