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A block of mass is connected rigidly with a smooth wedge (plank) by a light spring of stiffness . If the wedge is moved with constant velocity , then find the work done by the external agent until the maximum compression of the spring.

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Let us take wedge + spring + block as a system. The forces responsible for performing work are spring force kx (←) and the external force F(→).

Work Energy theorem for block + spring + plank relative to ground :
Applying work-energy theorem, we have Wext + Wsp = ΔK
where Wsp the total work done by the spring on wedge and block and ΔK = change in KE of the block (because the plank does not change its kinetic energy)
As the block was initially stationary and it will acquire a velocity v0 equal to that of the plank at the time of maximum compression of the spring, the change in kinetic energy of the block relative to ground is
Substituting ΔK in the above equation, we have
Work Energy theorem for block + spring + plank relative to the plank Wext + Wsp = ΔK The plank moves with constant velocity, there is no pseudo-force acting on the block. Wext = 0 Then the net work done on the system (block + plank), due to the spring, can be given as
As the relative velocity between the observer (plank) and block decreases from v0 to zero at the time of maximum compression of the spring, the change in kinetic energy of the block is
Substituting Wsp and in above equation
- (ii)
From (i) & (ii)

Work Energy theorem for block + spring + plank relative to ground :
Applying work-energy theorem, we have Wext + Wsp = ΔK
where Wsp the total work done by the spring on wedge and block and ΔK = change in KE of the block (because the plank does not change its kinetic energy)
As the block was initially stationary and it will acquire a velocity v0 equal to that of the plank at the time of maximum compression of the spring, the change in kinetic energy of the block relative to ground is
Substituting ΔK in the above equation, we have
Work Energy theorem for block + spring + plank relative to the plank Wext + Wsp = ΔK The plank moves with constant velocity, there is no pseudo-force acting on the block. Wext = 0 Then the net work done on the system (block + plank), due to the spring, can be given as
As the relative velocity between the observer (plank) and block decreases from v0 to zero at the time of maximum compression of the spring, the change in kinetic energy of the block is
Substituting Wsp and in above equation
- (ii)
From (i) & (ii)
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