A block of mass m=0.1 kg is connected to a spring of unknown spring constant k. It is compressed to a distance x from its equilibrium position and…
JEE Main 2015 — Physics Mechanics
2015mcqhard
A block of mass m=0.1kg is connected to a spring of unknown spring constant k. It is compressed to a distance x from its equilibrium position and released from rest. After approaching half the distance (2x) from the equilibrium position, it hits another block and comes to rest momentarily, while the other block moves with velocity 3ms−1. The total initial energy of the spring is:
Official previous-year question
Held on 10 Apr 2015 · Verified 6 Jul 2026.
Options
A
0.6J
B
0.8J
C
1.5J
D
0.3J
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Solution
By mechanical energy conservation between compression positions x and 2x
21kx2=21k(2x)2+21mv2
21kx2−21k4x2=21mv2
21kx2(43)=21mv2
v=4m3kx2=m3k2x
On collision with a block at rest
∵ Velocities are exchanged ⇒ elastic collision between identical masses.
∴v=3=m3k2x
⇒6=m3kx
⇒x=63km
∴ The initial energy of the spring is
U=21kx2=21k×363km=6m
U=6×0.1=0.6J
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