Question:

A block of mass 20 kg is connected to the top of an inclined plane by a spring of negligible mass, unstretched length 0.7 m and spring constant 200 N m$^{-1}$. How far is the block from the top along the incline in the equilibrium point? The inclined plane is frictionless and the angle of inclination is 30°. (Take g = 10 m s$^{-2}$)

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In spring equilibrium problems on incline, first find extension using force balance, then add natural length to get total separation.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
  • 1 m
  • 1.2 m
  • 1.5 m
  • 1.7 m
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding equilibrium condition along incline.
At equilibrium, the net force along the incline must be zero. The block is acted upon by: - component of gravity \(mg \sin\theta\) down the plane - spring force \(k x\) up the plane (or along the direction opposing motion) So equilibrium condition is: \[ kx = mg \sin\theta \]

Step 2: Compute the component of weight along incline.
Given: \[ m = 20 \, \text{kg}, \quad g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2, \quad \theta = 30^\circ \] \[ mg \sin 30^\circ = 20 \times 10 \times \frac{1}{2} = 100 \, \text{N} \]

Step 3: Find spring extension from equilibrium condition.
Using: \[ kx = 100 \] \[ 200x = 100 \Rightarrow x = 0.5 \, \text{m} \]

Step 4: Understand physical meaning of extension.
The spring extends by \(0.5\) m from its natural length due to the weight component pulling the block down the incline.

Step 5: Total distance from top of incline.
Natural length of spring = \(0.7\) m So total distance of block from top: \[ L = 0.7 + 0.5 = 1.2 \, \text{m} \]

Step 6: Final conclusion.
\[ \boxed{1.2 \, \text{m}} \]
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