Why do two masses on a compressed spring rise to the same height?

[Sho Kano]

Homework Statement

Two masses A, and B both sit on a vertical spring. If the spring is compressed then released, why do A and B rise to the same height? (the mass of A is greater than that of B)

Homework Equations

P = mgh
S = 1/2kx2
K = 1/2mv2

The Attempt at a Solution

Both masses rise to the same height, I treated the two blocks as a system, because the spring propels them both in the air. Why is this? How much energy does each block have?

 

[haruspex]

Homework Statement

Two masses A, and B both sit on a vertical spring. If the spring is compressed then released, why do A and B rise to the same height? (the mass of A is greater than that of B)

Homework Equations

P = mgh
S = 1/2kx2
K = 1/2mv2

The Attempt at a Solution

Both masses rise to the same height, I treated the two blocks as a system, because the spring propels them both in the air. Why is this? How much energy does each block have?

Would you expect them to be traveling at the same speed when contact with the spring is lost?

 

[Sho Kano]

Would you expect them to be traveling at the same speed when contact with the spring is lost?

Intuitively yes?

 

[haruspex]

Intuitively yes?

Ok, so using the SUVAT equations, what determines the height to which a projectile rises?

 

[Sho Kano]

Ok, so using the SUVAT equations, what determines the height to which a projectile rises?

Initial velocity

 

[haruspex]

Initial velocity

Putting that together with your answer in post #3, does that answer your question?

 

[Sho Kano]

Putting that together with your answer in post #3, does that answer your question?

Yes! But from an energy point of view, mass A has more energy right?

 

[haruspex]

Yes! But from an energy point of view, mass A has more energy right?

Yes.