Question

A body of mass $m$ released from a height $h$ on a smooth inclined plane as shown in the figure. Which of the following statement can be true about the velocity $v$ of the block knowing that the wedge is fixed?

• A. $v$ is maximum when it just touches the spring
• B. $v$ is maximum when it compresses the spring by some amount
• C. $v$ is maximum when the spring comes back to natural position
• D. $v$ is zero when it just touches the spring

Answer 1

The correct option is B $v$ is maximum when it compresses the spring by some amount

Velocity is maximum when net acceleration is zero. It means net force on block is zero. Net force on block will become zero after some compression $x$ as compression will produce spring force which will counter the gravitational force acting on the body.


Also, block touches the spring with some velocity as it is sliding down from some height.