Springs and Compression!!!!!?

Question

When a block slides into a spring, it is compressed a certain distance (x). The spring then stretches a certain distance (y). Why is y greater than x? What does this have to do with friction (without friction we would have simple harmonic motion)?

Horizontal Spring (gravity doesnt affect it)... :)

Answer 1

y is greater than x because of the kinetic energy of the block upon impact with the spring. It gets stored in the spring and then released. The block will exit the end of the spring at the same speed less friction and non-ideal spring action.

j

Answer 2

gravity