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Adrianw2
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Homework Statement
A light spring with force constant 3.85 N/m is compressed by 8.00 cm as it is held between a 0.250-kg block on the left and a 0.500-kg block on the right, both resting on a horizontal surface. The spring exerts a force on each block, tending to push them apart. The blocks are simultaneously released from rest. Find the acceleration with which each block starts to move, given that the coefficient of kinetic friction between each block and the surface is (a) 0, (b) 0.100, and (c) 0.462
Homework Equations
Fx = -kx
F = ma
W = the integral of Fxdx from initial to final position
W = FΔR
Ffriction = umg
The Attempt at a Solution
Here's my attempt so far, but I don't think it's right.
Since Fx = -kx and F = ma then ma=-kx and -kx/m = a
So for the first block (-3.85N/m)(0.04m)/(0.250kg) = 1.232 m/s2
And for the second block (-3/85N/m)(0.04m)/(0.500kg) = 0.616 m/s2
I chose 0.04 m, because that is the amount the spring is being compressed on each side, maybe I am supposed to use 0.08 m in the equation anyways though.
For the cases with friction I believe I would have to subtract the force of friction in the F = ma and somehow put it in the equations I used in part b and c.
Anyway, I don't even know if I started the question correctly, but any help would be awesome.
Thanks
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