What Determines the Maximum Compression of a Spring in an Elastic Collision?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 1 kg cart rolling down a frictionless ramp and colliding elastically with a stationary 3 kg cart at the bottom, with a spring constant of 400 N/m. The questions focus on determining the maximum compression of the spring and the subsequent distance the first cart travels up the ramp after the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to find the maximum compression of the spring and question the details of the collision dynamics. There is a request for detailed explanations regarding the calculation of maximum compression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants seeking clarification on the methods used to determine the maximum compression of the spring. There is acknowledgment of missing information, particularly a figure that could aid in understanding the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a figure that is crucial for visualizing the problem, which may hinder the ability to fully engage with the questions posed.

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Homework Statement


A 1 kg cart is at the top of a frictionless ramp as shown. It rolls down and makes an elastic collision with a stationary 3 kg cart at the bottom. The spring constant is 400 N/m. What is the maximum compression of the spring? How far up the ramp will the first cart travel after the collision?

The Attempt at a Solution


I got part a, but I don't know how to do part b.

Thanks!
 
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phizics09 said:

Homework Statement


A 1 kg cart is at the top of a frictionless ramp as shown. It rolls down and makes an elastic collision with a stationary 3 kg cart at the bottom. The spring constant is 400 N/m. What is the maximum compression of the spring? How far up the ramp will the first cart travel after the collision?

The Attempt at a Solution


I got part a, but I don't know how to do part b.

Thanks!
No figure.

Not enough detail given -- especially without the figure !
 
sorry i forgot to attach the picture !

Compression of Spring.jpg
 
attachment.php?attachmentid=43274&d=1327891181.jpg
How did you find the maximum compression of the spring? --- in detail.
 

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