Simple Harmonic Motion: Calculating Speeds of Blocks with a Compressed Spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speeds of two blocks (15.8 kg and 31.6 kg) on a frictionless surface after a compressed spring (spring constant 1868 N/m) is released. The spring is compressed by 0.152 m, and the problem emphasizes the conservation of momentum and energy principles rather than simple harmonic motion. The solution involves applying the conservation of energy to determine the kinetic energy imparted to each block as the spring decompresses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum
  • Knowledge of conservation of energy principles
  • Familiarity with spring constant and Hooke's Law
  • Basic physics of motion on frictionless surfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in collisions
  • Learn about energy transformations in spring systems
  • Explore Hooke's Law and its applications in mechanics
  • Practice problems involving kinetic energy and potential energy conversions
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of spring systems and block motion.

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Homework Statement



A 15.8 kg block and a 31.6 kg block are resting on a horizontal frictionless surface. Between the two is squeezed a spring (spring constant = 1868 N/m). The spring is compressed by 0.152 m from its unstrained length and is not attached permanently to either block. With what speed does each block move away when the mechanism keeping the spring squeezed is released and the spring falls away?


The Attempt at a Solution



This is a sample problem for the final exam. Please explain the process, I'm not just looking for a numerical answer.
 
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Show what you've done so far and point out where you are stuck.

Hint: What's conserved?

(This isn't a SHM problem.)
 

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