Two blocks move on frictionless horizontal surfaces
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Two blocks move on frictionless horizontal surfaces. System 1 consists of a block of mass m attached to a spring with constant k and amplitude A. System 2 uses an identical spring but a block of mass 4m. The blocks are released from rest at their respective maximum displacements, and both systems therefore have the same total mechanical energy. At the instant each block passes the point x=21A (measured from equilibrium), what is the ratio v1v2 of their speeds?
(a) 1.0
(b) 0.25
(c) 0.50
(d) 2.0