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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a spring and masses, specifically focusing on determining the maximum compression of the spring. The context includes concepts from mechanics, particularly the conservation of energy and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between spring energy and kinetic energy, questioning the conditions under which maximum compression occurs. There is discussion about the conservation of momentum and its implications for the velocities of the masses involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the role of conservation laws in the problem. Some participants have provided guidance on the conservation of momentum and energy, while others are exploring the implications of these principles without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of missing information, such as an attached picture that is not visible, which may affect the clarity of the problem setup. Participants are also questioning the assumptions regarding the system's forces and interactions.

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C0EF8D88-68E3-43D2-A241-1208964D9478.jpeg
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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