91Ó°ÊÓ

Potential energy is the stored energy an object possesses due to its position or state. In this exercise, a spring holds potential energy when compressed by the blocks resting on it. The formula for potential energy stored in a spring is given by:

• \( E_p = \frac{1}{2} k x^2 \)

where:

• \( k \) is the spring constant (40 N/m in this case).
• \( x \) is the compression distance (1.225 m here).

The potential energy initially stored (30.0125 J) is due to the weight of the blocks compressing the spring. This energy becomes available to do work when the 3-kg block is suddenly removed.

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. As the spring releases, this stored potential energy converts into kinetic energy in the 2-kg block.The formula to calculate kinetic energy is:

• \( E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \)

where:

• \( m \) is the mass of the object (2 kg in this situation).
• \( v \) is the velocity of the object.

When the spring releases, the velocity of the block at its maximum speed can be calculated using the stored energy, resulting in a potential maximum speed of approximately 5.477 m/s.

Energy conservation is a fundamental principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms. In this problem, the principle of energy conservation is pivotal.When the spring is compressed, it stores energy as potential energy. Once the block is released and the spring returns to its equilibrium position, this energy transforms into kinetic energy. For the maximum height, the kinetic energy at its peak is then completely converted into gravitational potential energy. Using the formula:

• \( mgh = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \)

we determine the height reached. Gravitational force (9.8 m/s²) allows us to calculate the maximum height reached by the 2-kg block, approximately 1.53 m here. No energy is lost; it simply transitions between forms.

In dynamics, understanding the relationship between mass and force is essential. Here, mass affects how force interacts with an object. The 3-kg block on top of the 2-kg block, along with gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²), creates a force of 49 N compressing the spring. Force is calculated by the formula:

• Force = Mass × Acceleration

Upon removal of the 3-kg block, the spring no longer supports its weight, meaning the system re-evaluates how force impacts the 2-kg block alone. Therefore, the 2-kg block accelerates upward, influenced by the force of the spring's release. Each block’s mass determines how it interacts with the forces applied or released, controlling the motion behavior observed during this interaction. Understanding these dynamics is key to predicting motion outcomes correctly.