Collision of a block with a spring

In summary, a 100g block on a frictionless table with a spring attached to one end and anchored to a wall on the other end, experiences a collision with a 20g ball thrown horizontally at 5.0 m/s. Assuming the collision is perfectly inelastic, the ball and block will fuse together and move together after the collision. To find the speed of the fused objects and the maximum compression of the spring, a conservation of momentum equation can be used, followed by energy equations.
  • #1
mjolnir80
55
0

Homework Statement


a 100g block on a frictionless table is firmly attached to one end of a spring with k = 20 N/m. the other end of the spring is anchored to the wall. a 20g ball is thrown horizontally toward the block with a speed of 5.0 m/s.
assuming that the collision is perfectly inelastic what is the speed of the ball immediately after the collision and what is the maximum compression of the spring?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


so for a perfectly inelastic collision the ball and the block fuse? this one is kind of confusing me. can someone help me out with this
thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes. They move together after collision.
 
  • #3
Start off by writing a conservation of momentum equation. Have the initial momentum of both objects added together equal to the momentum of both masses stuck together.

m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1+m2)V ; find V and use energy equations to solve for X
 

FAQ: Collision of a block with a spring

1. What is a collision of a block with a spring?

A collision of a block with a spring is a physical event in which a stationary or moving block comes into contact with a spring and transfers its kinetic energy to the spring, causing it to compress or expand.

2. How does the mass of the block affect the collision with the spring?

The mass of the block affects the collision by determining the amount of kinetic energy transferred to the spring. A heavier block will transfer more energy and cause a larger compression or expansion of the spring compared to a lighter block.

3. What factors affect the speed of the block after collision with the spring?

The speed of the block after collision with the spring is affected by the initial speed of the block, the mass of the block, and the spring constant of the spring. The higher the initial speed and mass of the block, and the lower the spring constant, the faster the block will move after the collision.

4. Can the spring be stretched or compressed too much during the collision?

Yes, the spring can be stretched or compressed too much during the collision. If the block has a high initial speed or a large mass, it can transfer a lot of energy to the spring, causing it to stretch or compress beyond its limit and potentially break.

5. How does the elasticity of the spring affect the collision?

The elasticity of the spring affects the collision by determining how much energy is stored in the spring during compression or expansion. A more elastic spring will be able to store and release more energy, resulting in a more powerful collision with the block.

Similar threads

Find elastic energy in the compressed spring.
Replies
12
Views
2K
Question about momentum and kinetic energy.
Replies
5
Views
1K
Projectile Compresses a Spring Gun
Replies
10
Views
1K
How Fast is the Ball After a Perfectly Elastic Collision?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Dropping a Block on a Spring with Completely Inelastic Collision
Replies
11
Views
2K
Why is this inelastic collision problem solvable?
Replies
9
Views
4K
A block of mass m is dropped onto the top of a vertical spring....
Replies
8
Views
5K
How to find Potential Energy without distance
Replies
4
Views
3K
How Far Will the Spring Compress in a Frictionless Collision?
Replies
3
Views
1K
How do you know that the net force is moving to the right?
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top