Does the Velocity of the Center of Mass Consider the Spring and m2?

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SUMMARY

The velocity of the center of mass (vcm) immediately after mass m1 has moved is calculated using the formula vcm = m1v1 / (m1 + m2). This formula does not require consideration of the spring or mass m2 for the immediate calculation of vcm. The discussion confirms that the spring's influence is not necessary for this specific calculation, establishing that the center of mass velocity is solely dependent on the masses involved and their velocities.

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Homework Statement
Two masses m1 and m2 are at rest and joined by a spring of length l = 0.5m, as shown in the figure. There is no friction with the surface. In a given moment, an impulse with velocity v0 = 0.2m /s is given to the mass m1 only.
Relevant Equations
Calculate the velocity of the center of mass immediately after m1 has moved
Calculate the position of the center of mass after a time t = 4.0s
I want to know if my solution is correct:

The velocity of the center of mass immidiately after m1 has moved is just
vcm=m1v1 /(m1+m2)

I thing that i have to consider the spring and the m2
 
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Zamarripa said:
The velocity of the center of mass immidiately after m1 has moved is just
vcm=m1v1 /(m1+m2)
Yes.
Zamarripa said:
I thing that i have to consider the spring and the m2
For the second part? Maybe... or perhaps not.
 

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