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Pie1345
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Homework Statement
Two blocks with masses 1 kg and 4 kg respectively are moving on a horizontal frictionless surface. The 1 kg block has a velocity of 12 m/s and the 4kg block is ahead of it, moving at 4 m/s. The 4 kg block has a massless spring attached to the end facing the 1 kg block. The spring has a force constant k equal to 1,000 M/m. a) what is the max compression of the spring after the collision b) what are the final velocities of the blocks after the collison has taken place?
Homework Equations
Conservation of momentum
Conservation of kinetic energy (plus energy stored in spring)[/B]
The Attempt at a Solution
I first assumed the collision would be inelastic and I found the velocities of both blocks to be 5.6 m/s. Then I set kinetic energy before collision equal to kinetic energy after collision PLUS the energy stored in the spring.
My answer for the first part was 23 cm (0.23m) and my answer for the second part was 0.8m/s and 7.2 m/s. [/B]