What is the speed of m2 after the spring is released?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the conservation of momentum principle to determine the speed of block m2 after a spring is released. Given two blocks with masses m1 = 2.6 kg and m2 = 3.6 kg, and knowing that m1 achieves a speed of 3.0 m/s, the speed of m2 can be calculated using the equation P = m*v. The initial momentum of the system is zero, as both blocks are at rest before the release.

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bulldog23
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[SOLVED] Conservation of Momentum

Homework Statement


Two blocks with masses m1 = 2.6 kg and m2 = 3.6 kg are at rest on a frictionless surface with a compressed spring between them. The spring is initially compressed by 60.0 cm and has negligible mass. When both blocks are released simultaneously and the spring has dropped to the surface, m1 is found to have a speed of 3.0 m/s. What is the speed of m2?
prob05a.gif



Homework Equations


P=m*v


The Attempt at a Solution


I am trying to figure out the initial momentum of the system, so do I m1v1=m2v2?
 
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bulldog23 said:
Two blocks with masses m1 = 2.6 kg and m2 = 3.6 kg are at rest on a frictionless surface
Why do u have to calculate initial momentum? Isn't it zero!?
Yes, you may apply conservation of linear momentum, after thinking about all the forces acting on the system.
 

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