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KAT444
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A 50 kg mass rests atop a 20m high incline. The spring constant of a 10m long spring below is 1000N/m. The 50 kg crate is sent down the incline. Assume all surfaces in this problem are frictionless.
What is the velocity of the crate traveling along the horizontal surface?

2. Relevant equations
V_(f^2 )=V_(i^2 )+2aD
Fspring=kx
F=ma



3. The attempt at a solution

I am so confused by this problem. I tried to find the length of the incline, but couldn't figure out how. The only thing I could think to do was to find the potential energy of the crate, which is 9810 J. I know that only force gravity is acting of the crate, and that Fgy=FN, but that doesn't seem to help me at all.
Please help me if you can because I have a physics final exam tomorrow. Thank you so much.
brupen
Could you clarify the conditions? How high is the incline? How is the weight connected to the spring, eg?
Grasshopper
I don't quite understand the problem you're asking. Could you write it word for word from your book or handout?

Aslo, on the off chance that this will help you, an elastic energy calculator:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pespr.html
meBigGuy
I guess it is pretty hard to find the velocity along the horizontal surface since it is traveling down an incline. (like, what horizontal surface?)

Were you supposed to solve this in terms of the incline slope?

What do you mean by a "10m long spring is below"? Below what? Not clear how the spring is connected.
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