The discussion centers on calculating the spring constant of an ideal Hooke's Law spring after a head-on elastic collision between a 1.2 kg cart and a stationary 2.0 kg cart. The initial potential energy of the 1.2 kg cart, derived from its height of 1.8 m, is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into spring potential energy at maximum compression of 2.0 cm. The relevant equations used are the conservation of energy, expressed as Em1 = Em2, and the spring potential energy formula, mgh = 1/2 kx². The solution requires careful consideration of the energy distribution during the collision.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of energy conservation and spring dynamics in elastic collisions.
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