Question

A block of mass M rests on a frictionless inclined plane of angle θ as shown in the diagram below. Two springs of equal length are connected to the block and to two posts as shown. The separation between the posts is equal to the sum of relaxed lengths of the springs and the length of the block.

Which of the following statements correctly describes the directions of the forces that the springs exert on the block?

Answer 1

1) The force the bottom spring exerts on the block is in the opposite direction of the force that the top spring exerts on the block.
2) Both the bottom spring and the top spring exert forces on the block that point down the plane.
3) Both the bottom spring and the top spring exert forces on the block that point up the plane.

I picked 1 because the because the top spring would push down whilst the bottom spring pushes up.

Answer 2

@Shadowys

Answer 3

From Hooke's law , F=-kx, taking down as +ve,
we can see that both of the springs are stretched down. So, both springs exert a upwards force. So actually it's 3.

Answer 4

So like that? Or did i switch the axis wrong?