In: Physics
Two identical blocks of mass M = 2.60 kg each are initially at rest on a smooth, horizontal table. A bullet of very small mass m = 20 g (m << M) is fired at a high speed v. = 120 m/s towards the first block. It quickly exits the first block at a reduced speed of 0.40 v, then strikes the second block, quickly getting embedded inside of it. All the motion happens on the x-axis.
(a) find the speeds of the two blocks after their encounters with the bullet.
(b) Now the first block catches up with the second one and collides with it. They got stuck together afterward and move forward. Find their common speed V after the collision.
(c) The two blocks now hit a light spring of spring constant k = 35 N/m mounted on the wall. How far is the spring compressed before the blocks reach a momentary stop?