Completely inelastic collision with object attached to spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a completely inelastic collision involving two blocks and a spring. Block 1, with a mass of 2.0 kg, collides with Block 2, which has a mass of 1.0 kg and is initially at rest on a frictionless surface. After the collision, the blocks stick together, moving with a final velocity of 2.974 m/s. The problem requires determining the distance the spring, with a spring constant of 200 N/m, is compressed when the blocks momentarily stop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum conservation in inelastic collisions
  • Knowledge of Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Familiarity with basic kinematics and energy conservation principles
  • Ability to solve equations involving mass, velocity, and spring constants
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the maximum compression of the spring using energy conservation principles
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in spring systems
  • Study examples of inelastic collisions in physics to reinforce concepts
  • Review the derivation of Hooke's Law and its applications in mechanics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of momentum conservation and spring dynamics in collision scenarios.

jayjay5531
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Homework Statement



In Fig. 9-64, block 2
(mass 1.0 kg) is at rest on a
frictionless surface and touch-
ing the end of an unstretched
spring of spring constant 200
N/m. The other end of the spring is fixed to a wall. Block 1 (mass 2.0 kg), traveling at speed v1 = 4.0 m/s, collides with block 2, and the two blocks stick together. When the blocks momentarily stop, by what distance is the spring compressed?


Homework Equations



m1v1+m2v2=MV where M is the mass of the system and V is the velocity of the system

Hooke's Law: F = kx

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to find the final velocity of the system:

V = (m1v1)/(m1+m2) = 2.974

How do I get from there to the distance that the spring is compressed?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Does conservation of energy hold after the collision?

ehild
 

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