Determining Spring Constant After Collision

AI Thread Summary
To determine the spring constant after a collision, the energy conservation principle is applied, equating the gravitational potential energy of the sliding cart to the elastic potential energy stored in the spring. The mass of the cart is 1.2 kg, descending from a height of 1.8 m, while the stationary cart has a mass of 2.0 kg and experiences maximum spring compression of 2.0 cm. The equations used include Em1 = Em2 and mgh = 1/2kx^2. It's crucial to note that at maximum compression, the stationary cart has started moving, meaning not all initial energy is stored in the spring. This understanding is vital for accurately calculating the spring constant.
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Homework Statement


1.2 kg cart slides down frictionless ramp from a height of 1.8m and then onto a horizontal surface where it has a head-on elastic collision with a stationary 2.0kg cart cushioned by an ideal Hooke's Law spring. Maximum compression of spring is 2.0 cm
Determine the spring Constant


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Em1=Em2
mgh=1/2kx^2
But this did not get me the answer
 
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fdajkffk said:

Homework Statement


1.2 kg cart slides down frictionless ramp from a height of 1.8m and then onto a horizontal surface where it has a head-on elastic collision with a stationary 2.0kg cart cushioned by an ideal Hooke's Law spring. Maximum compression of spring is 2.0 cm
Determine the spring Constant


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Em1=Em2
mgh=1/2kx^2
But this did not get me the answer

Don't forget that when the spring is at maximum compression, the (previously) stationary cart has already begun to move, so only part of the Initial energy of other Cart is stored in the spring.
 

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