Springs and Elastic Coollisions

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a 2.5 kg ball colliding with a stationary 4.5 kg ball, with a spring attached to the moving ball. The key questions are to determine the velocities of both balls at minimum separation and the change in total kinetic energy compared to the initial state. The user has attempted to apply conservation of momentum but is struggling to progress further. They also express uncertainty about how to calculate the change in kinetic energy. The conversation highlights the need for additional equations and clarification on the concepts involved in elastic collisions and spring dynamics.
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Homework Statement


A ball of mass 2.5kg is moving to the left along a smooth, horizontal table at 3.5m/s. An idea spring (one that obeys Hooke's Law) with a spring contstant of k=1100N/m, and a relaxed length of 0.3m, is attached to its front. It collides head on with a 4.5 kg ball, initially at rest.
a) What is the velocity of each ball at minimum separation?
b) What is the change in total kinetic energy at minimum separation? as compared to initial K.E. of system?


Homework Equations


p=mv
Hooke's Law: Fx=kx
Ee=1/2kx^2
I know there's more equations needed

The Attempt at a Solution


For a, I found an expression of v1 and v2 with the momentum formula and conservation of momentum and tried to eliminate. But I got stuck at that part.
I don't really know how to do b.
 
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