Momentum & Energy: Masses of A & B, Collision, Maximum Compression

In summary, the masses of blocks A and B are 2 kg and 3 kg, respectively. When block A slides to the right and strikes the spring attached to block B, the spring deforms and has maximum compression. The quantity that the blocks have in common at this instant is velocity. The equation used to solve this problem is mv1 + ∫ΣFdt = mv2. If the velocities are not the same, the length of the spring is either compressing or extending.
  • #1
Nikstykal
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Homework Statement


The masses of blocks A and B are 2 kg and 3 kg, respectively. Block A slides to the right on the smooth surface and strikes the spring attached to stationary block B. The spring deforms during the collision process. What quantity do the blocks have in common at the instant the spring has the maximum compression?

The answer is velocity and I'm unsure how.

Homework Equations


mv1 + ∫ΣFdt = mv2

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
If the velocities are not the same, what is happening to the length of the spring?
 
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  • #3
You slick guy you... compressing or extending. Makes sense now. Thanks.
 

FAQ: Momentum & Energy: Masses of A & B, Collision, Maximum Compression

What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion and is defined as the product of its mass and velocity. It is represented by the symbol p and its SI unit is kilogram meters per second (kg⋅m/s).

How is momentum conserved in a collision?

In a collision between two objects, the total momentum of the system remains constant. This means that the sum of the momenta of the two objects before the collision is equal to the sum of their momenta after the collision.

What is the relationship between mass and momentum?

The momentum of an object is directly proportional to its mass. This means that an object with a larger mass will have a larger momentum compared to an object with a smaller mass, if they have the same velocity.

What is the maximum compression in a collision?

The maximum compression in a collision occurs when the two objects involved have the same mass and collide head on with equal and opposite velocities. In this case, the maximum compression is equal to the sum of the two objects' initial radii.

How does energy play a role in collisions?

In a collision, energy is conserved along with momentum. This means that the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. However, some energy may be lost in the form of heat or sound during the collision.

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