A vertical spring with force constant $k$ is fixed on a table. A ball of mass $m$ at a height $h$ above the…
A vertical spring with force constant $k$ is fixed on a table. A ball of mass $m$ at a height $h$ above the free upper end of the spring falls vertically on the spring so that the spring is compressed by a distance $d$. The net work done in the process is
$m g(h+d)-\frac{1}{2} k d^2$
$m g(h-d)-\frac{1}{2} k d^2$
$m g(h-d)+\frac{1}{2} k d^2$
$m g(h+d)+\frac{1}{2} k d^2$
Solution
Net work done = work done by gravitational force + work done by spring force
$=m g(h+d)-\frac{1}{2} k d^2$