Physics (AS & A Level) · Oct / Nov 2022 · Paper 22 · Question 4

A horizontal spring is fixed at one end. A block is pushed against the other end of the spring so that the spring is compressed, as shown in Fig. 4.1. compressed spring block frictionless surface Fig. 4.1 The block is released and accelerates along a horizontal frictionless surface as the spring returns to its original length. The block leaves the end of the spring with a speed of 2.3 m s–1, as shown in Fig. 4.2. spring block leaving the spring speed 2.3 m s–1 Fig. 4.2 The block has a mass of 250 g and the spring has a spring constant of 420 N m–1. Assume that the spring always obeys Hooke’s law and that all the elastic potential energy of the spring is transferred to the kinetic energy of the block.

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