The discussion revolves around a problem involving impulse and a spring, focusing on the conservation of momentum and mechanical energy. Participants are exploring the conditions for maximum compression of the spring when two masses interact.
The discussion is active, with participants offering insights into the conditions for maximum compression and exploring the relationship between the velocities of the masses. Some guidance has been provided regarding the timing of maximum compression, but no consensus has been reached on the exact expressions needed.
Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. The original poster has not provided a complete image or details of the problem setup.
What do you think? Can you think of an expression for how fast the compression of the spring is growing?ubergewehr273 said:
I think when mass m stops moving relative to the ground is when max compression occurs.Orodruin said:
This is not correct. Can you give an expression for the spring length as a function of the positions of the masses?ubergewehr273 said:
If mass m moves by x1 wrt mass M and mass M moves by x2 wrt ground then spring compression will be x1-x2.Orodruin said:
So compression is maximum when both masses have equal velocities.Orodruin said:
Yes. If the upper block moves faster, the string will be compressing, if it is moving slower it will be decompressing. This should give you enough information to solve your original question.ubergewehr273 said:
