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AP Physics 1 3.2: Work Done by a Force

Describe work as energy transferred by a force acting through a displacement, with attention to the force component parallel to the motion.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

3.2.A—Describe the work done on an object or system by a given force or collection of forces question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

(12 points, suggested time 25 minutes)
A block is initially at position x=0 and in contact with an uncompressed spring of negligible mass. The block is pushed back along a frictionless surface from position x=0 to x=-D, as shown above, compressing the spring by an amount Δx=D\Delta x=D. The block is then released. At x=0 the block enters a rough part of the track and eventually comes to rest at position x=3 D. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the rough track is μ\mu.

Which aspects of the student's reasoning, if any, are incorrect? Explain how you arrived at your answer.

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