Momentum & Energy: Masses of A & B, Collision, Maximum Compression

AI Thread Summary
During the collision between blocks A and B, the maximum compression of the spring occurs when both blocks share the same velocity. This is due to the conservation of momentum, as the total momentum before the collision must equal the total momentum after. As block A strikes the spring, it compresses while transferring energy to block B, which remains stationary initially. The spring's compression indicates that block A is slowing down while block B begins to move. Understanding this relationship clarifies the dynamics of the collision and the behavior of the spring.
Nikstykal
Messages
29
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


The masses of blocks A and B are 2 kg and 3 kg, respectively. Block A slides to the right on the smooth surface and strikes the spring attached to stationary block B. The spring deforms during the collision process. What quantity do the blocks have in common at the instant the spring has the maximum compression?

The answer is velocity and I'm unsure how.

Homework Equations


mv1 + ∫ΣFdt = mv2

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the velocities are not the same, what is happening to the length of the spring?
 
  • Like
Likes Nikstykal
You slick guy you... compressing or extending. Makes sense now. Thanks.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
Replies
17
Views
1K
Find elastic energy in the compressed spring.
Replies
12
Views
3K
Question about momentum and kinetic energy.
Replies
5
Views
2K
A block of mass m is dropped onto the top of a vertical spring....
Replies
8
Views
5K
Energy and momentum conservation
Replies
13
Views
2K
How to find Potential Energy without distance
Replies
4
Views
3K
Physics problem - Momentum and energy
Replies
25
Views
2K
How do you know that the net force is moving to the right?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Determine expressions for the following in terms of M, X, D, h and g
Replies
30
Views
1K
Quadratic equation for maximum compression of a spring
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top