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Ch 09: Work and Kinetic Energy
Chapter 9, Problem 9

A horizontal spring with spring constant 250 N/m is compressed by 12 cm and then used to launch a 250 g box across the floor. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the floor is 0.23. What is the box's launch speed?

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Calculate the potential energy stored in the spring when it is compressed. Use the formula for potential energy of a spring, PE = \(\frac{1}{2} k x^2\), where \(k\) is the spring constant and \(x\) is the compression distance.
Convert the mass of the box from grams to kilograms to ensure consistency in units when applying Newtonian mechanics.
Calculate the work done against friction as the box moves across the floor. Use the formula for work done against friction, \(W = f_k \times d\), where \(f_k\) is the force of kinetic friction and \(d\) is the distance over which the force is applied. The force of kinetic friction can be found using \(f_k = \mu_k \times N\), where \(\mu_k\) is the coefficient of kinetic friction and \(N\) is the normal force, which equals the gravitational force for a horizontal surface.
Set the initial potential energy of the spring equal to the work done against friction plus the kinetic energy of the box to find the box's launch speed. Use the conservation of energy principle, \(PE_{spring} = KE_{box} + W_{friction}\).
Solve for the launch speed of the box using the kinetic energy formula, \(KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2\), where \(m\) is the mass of the box and \(v\) is the velocity (launch speed) of the box.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hooke's Law

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position, expressed as F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement. In this scenario, the spring constant is 250 N/m, and the spring is compressed by 0.12 m, allowing us to calculate the potential energy stored in the spring.
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Kinetic Energy and Work-Energy Principle

The work-energy principle states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. The potential energy stored in the compressed spring is converted into kinetic energy as the box is launched. The kinetic energy (KE) can be calculated using the formula KE = 0.5mv^2, where m is the mass of the box and v is its velocity.
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Friction and its Effects

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object and is calculated as F_friction = μN, where μ is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force. In this case, the coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.23, and it affects the box's motion by reducing its speed after launch. The net force acting on the box must account for this frictional force to determine the final launch speed.
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