Acertain spring exerts a nonlinear force given by f(x) = −60x − 18x2 , where x is in meters and f is in newtons. a 0.90-kg block on a frictionless, horizontal surface is attached to the spring at x = 0. the block is pushed to x = −0.50 m and is then released. a) the work done by the spring on the block as it moves from x = −0.50 m to x = 0? b) the block’s speed when it reaches x = 0 c) what are the units of the coefficient with value –18?

a)  W = 6.75 J and b) v = 3.87 m / s

Explanation:

a) In the problem the force is nonlinear and they ask us for work, so we must use it's definition

      W = ∫ F. dx

Bold indicates vectors.  In a spring the force is applied in the direction of movement, whereby the scalar product is reduced to the ordinary product

     W = ∫ F dx

We replace and integrate

    W = ∫ (-60 x - 18 x²) dx

    W = -60 x²/2 -18 x³/3

Let's evaluate between the integration limits, lower W = 0 for x = -0.50 m, to the upper limit W = W for x = 0 m

    W = -30 [0- (-0.50) 2] -6 [0 - (- 0.50) 3]

    W = 7.5 - 0.75

    W = 6.75 J

b)  Work is equal to the variation of kinetic energy

    W = ΔK

    W = ΔK = ½ m v² -0

    v =√ 2W/m

    v = √(2 6.75/ 0.90)

    v = 3.87 m / s

answer; i believe that the correct answer is (d) a very small amount of mass