Troubleshooting Spring and Masses: How to Solve for Maximum Compression?

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The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving spring compression and energy conservation. The initial approach equated spring energy and kinetic energy, assuming maximum compression occurs when the box is momentarily at rest. Participants highlighted the importance of considering both energy and momentum conservation in the system, which includes two masses and the spring. Momentum conservation is emphasized due to the absence of external forces acting on the system. Ultimately, the problem was successfully solved by applying both conservation principles.
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1. Homework Statement

Attached in the picture below.

Homework Equations



Spring energy = 0.5Kx2
Kinetic energy = 0.5mv2

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried setting the equations for spring energy and kinetic energy equal, since I thought the maximum compression would occur when the box had no velocity, and stopped momentarily (in accordance with the Law of the Conservation of Energy)
0.5mv2 = 0.5Kx2 and when I solved for x, I got v * sqrt(m/K). I don’t know what I am missing, can somebody please help me?[/B]
 

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There is no "picture below". I think you need to edit your post.
 
What can you say about the velocities of the two masses when the spring attains maximum compression. In addition to energy being conserved, what else is conserved?
 
Oh could I also use conservation of momentum? Does that mean the second block would also have some velocity when the spring is compressed?
 
Physics_Boi said:
Oh could I also use conservation of momentum? Does that mean the second block would also have some velocity when the spring is compressed?
Yes and yes
 
Physics_Boi said:
Oh could I also use conservation of momentum? Does that mean the second block would also have some velocity when the spring is compressed?
You shouldn't just guess. Why is momentum conserved?
 
Momentum would be conserved since there wouldn't be any external force acting on the object.
 
Physics_Boi said:
Momentum would be conserved since there wouldn't be any external force acting on the object.
Right, but think "the system" instead of the object which consists of the two masses and the spring
 
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Ok thank you for the help! I solved the problem successfully using the conservation of momentum and energy!
 
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Physics_Boi said:
Ok thank you for the help! I solved the problem successfully using the conservation of momentum and energy!
Congrats!
 

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