Meriam, Kraige & Bolton — Kinetics of Particles: Problem 3_103

3/103 The system is released from rest with no slack in the cable and with the spring unstretched. Determine the distance \( s \) traveled by the 4-kg cart before it comes to rest (a) if \( m \) approaches zero and (b) if \( m = 3 \text{ kg} \). Assume no mechanical interference and no friction, and state whether the distance traveled is up or down the incline. Given data: Mass of cart, \( M = 4 \text{ kg} \) Incline angle, \( \theta = 25^\circ \) Spring constant, \( k = 150 \text{ N/m} \) Initial velocity, \( v_1 = 0 \) Initial spring deformation, \( x_1 = 0 \)