Complicated Energy Example 1

An object with mass m slides down a frictionless inclined plane of length d set at an angle of theta. It then slides across a flat surface of length l. While sliding across this surface the object experiences sliding friction with the coefficient of sliding friction being mu. It then strikes a spring with a spring constant of k. There is no friction present during the compression of the spring.

What is the maximum compression of the spring, assuming that the object does not stop before hitting the spring?

What is the speed of the object half way across the flat surface?

Enter MKS values below. The angle theta should be entered in degrees. Calculate your answer based on these values. Then click the 'Calculate' button to check your results.