Let me see:
If I use the KE = 1/2mv^2 formula to find the KE of the blocks (if I'm going in the correct direction), then it'd be KE(block a) = 1/2(1kg)(3.6m/s^2); KE(block b) = 1/2(3kg)(-1.20m/s^2)
KEblocka = 6.48
KEblockb = 2.16
So maybe total KE = 6.48+2.16 = 8.64? I have no idea...
Hmm... it seems to me that the blocks would be moving after the spring drops. Therefore, the blocks would have some kinetic energy, right? Maybe the source of the KE would be the spring decompressing?
Homework Statement
Here's the question:
Block A in the figure below has mass 1.00 kg, and block B has mass 3.00 kg. The blocks are forced together, compressing a spring S between them; then the system is released from rest on a level, frictionless surface. The spring, which has negligible...