Answer:
x' = 0.085 m = 8.5 cm
Explanation:
The law of conservation of energy says that:
Potential Energy Stored in Spring = Loss in Gravitational Potential Energy of Block
(1/2)kΔx² = mgh
where,
k = stiffness of spring = 1070 N/m
Δx = change in length of spring = ?
m = mass of block = 0.5 kg
g = 9.8 m/s²
h = height of block above spring = 0.6 m - 0.15 m = 0.45 m
Therefore,
(1/2)(1070 N/m)Δx² = (0.5 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(0.45 m)
Δx = √[2(2.205 Nm)/(1070 N/m)]
Δx = 0.064 m
but,
Δx = x - x' = 0.15 m - x' = 0.064 m
x' = 0.15 m - 0.064 m
x' = 0.085 m = 8.5 cm