PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
Blocks A and B, of masses 0.40 kg and 0.60 kg respectively, are held together by a compressed ideal spring between them on a horizontal frictionless surface. A light thread keeps the spring compressed while the system is at rest. When the thread is burned, the spring pushes the blocks apart until it regains its natural length, after which the blocks no longer interact.
(a) Derive an expression that relates the magnitudes of the blocks’ velocities vA and vB immediately after they lose contact.
(b) The spring initially stored 2.5 J of potential energy. Determine the numerical values of vA and vB.
(c) Calculate the magnitude of the impulse delivered by the spring to block A.
(d) The spring constant is 500 N/m. Determine the compression distance of the spring before release.