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azurken
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An object with mass m1=0.4kg moves at v0=10 m/s toward a second object with mass m2 = 0.8kg. Attached to the second object is a spring with spring constant k = 200N/m, and natural length L0 = 0.1m. As the objects collide the spring is initially compressed. After compressing a maximum amount the spring then decompresses and the masses move apart. At the instant that the spring is compressed its maximum amount, the masses move with the same speed V. Determine the closest distant X, between the objects at this instant. Both momentum and mech energy are conserved.
M1=0.4kg
M2=0.8kg
V1=10 m/s
V2=0 (at rest)
K= 200N/m
L0=0.1m
X=?
2. Homework Equations
Vf=(m1v1+m2v2)/(m1+m2)
SPE=0.5Kx^2
KE=0.5mV^2
X=L-L0
3. The Attempt at a Solution
Vf=(.4)(10)/(1.2)=3.333
Alright so it's asking me maximum compression of the spring. and since they travel at the same speed later on I can count on them to have the masses combined at that moment right?
I used 1/2*m1v1^2=1/2*(m1+m2)*V^2 + 1/2*k*x^2
If i go with this formula, I'll get an X that is higher than the 0.1m of the natural length which doesn't make sense if it's compressing. (how can it compress more than 0.1m)
M1=0.4kg
M2=0.8kg
V1=10 m/s
V2=0 (at rest)
K= 200N/m
L0=0.1m
X=?
2. Homework Equations
Vf=(m1v1+m2v2)/(m1+m2)
SPE=0.5Kx^2
KE=0.5mV^2
X=L-L0
3. The Attempt at a Solution
Vf=(.4)(10)/(1.2)=3.333
Alright so it's asking me maximum compression of the spring. and since they travel at the same speed later on I can count on them to have the masses combined at that moment right?
I used 1/2*m1v1^2=1/2*(m1+m2)*V^2 + 1/2*k*x^2
If i go with this formula, I'll get an X that is higher than the 0.1m of the natural length which doesn't make sense if it's compressing. (how can it compress more than 0.1m)