- #1
Elmnt
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Homework Statement
Two blocks, of masses M = 2.1 kg and 2M are connected to a spring of spring constant k = 210 N/m that has one end fixed, as shown in the figure below. The horizontal surface and the pulley are frictionless, and the pulley has negligible mass. The blocks are released from rest with the spring relaxed.
(a) What is the combined kinetic energy of the two blocks when the hanging block has fallen a distance of 0.090 m?
(b) What is the kinetic energy of the hanging block when it has fallen that 0.090 m?(c) What maximum distance does the hanging block fall before momentarily stopping?
Homework Equations
http://www.webassign.net/hrw/W0155-N.jpg
The Attempt at a Solution
I am not sure how to approach this problem. Initially there is no kinetic energy, however there is potential energy due to gravity from the second block. After the blocks are released .09m there is kinetic energy for the blocks and also potential energy from the spring. If I understand this correctly, the spring is doing negative work on block one and ultimately on block 2 also so it increases its potential energy. I am must be misunderstanding something somewhere. Can anyone offer a tip?