a) The surface is frictionless. The mass m has a velocity 4.26 m/s. When it strikes the very light plate that is attached to the spring with force constant k = 23.1 N/m, the spring is compressed a distance s = 5.69 cm. Find the mass m in grams. Warning: Be careful with the units! Express your result to three significant digits.
b) The mass m = 3.69 kg is sliding on the frictionless incline of angle 42.7 degrees as shown. A force F = 3.24 N is applied horizontally as shown. Compute the acceleration a (in m/s2) of the mass on the incline. Use g = 9.8 m/s2, take parallel to the plane & up the plane as positive, and express your result to three significant digits. Be careful with signs!