In: Physics
Block A in the figure below has mass 1.30 kg , and block B has mass 2.85 kg . The blocks are forced together, compressing a spring S between them; then the system is released from rest on a level, frictionless surface. The spring, which has negligible mass, is not fastened to either block and drops to the surface after it has expanded. Block B acquires a speed of 1.20 m/s .
Part A
What is the final speed of block A?
Part B
How much potential energy was stored in the compressed spring?
part A)
by linear momentum conservation
m1v1 =m2v2
1.3 v1 =2.85*1.2
v1 =2.63 m/s......speed of block A
Part B)
potential energy was stored in the compressed spring =1/2 m1v12 +1/2 m2v22
=0.5*1.3*(2.63)2 +0.5*2.85*(1.2)2
=6.5J