Physics

We can solve this problem by using the principle of conservation of mechanical energy.

 

Calculate the potential energy stored in the spring

The potential energy stored in a spring is given by the formula:

where:

is the spring constant,

is the compression of the spring.

 

Substitute the values into the formula:

 

Use conservation of energy

When the spring is released, the potential energy stored in the spring is converted into the kinetic energy of the block. Since there is no friction, the total mechanical energy is conserved. At the maximum speed, all the spring's potential energy is converted into kinetic energy:

The kinetic energy of the block is given by: