Answer:
a) 0.25m
b) 5 m/s
Explanation:
When the spring is compressed both boxes are moving with the same velocity, so applying the principle of linear momentum conservation:

Now applying the principle of energy conservation:

We got that the maximum compression is 0.25m.
Answer:
Acceleration is 0.25m/s^2
Explanation:
Given the following :
Speed = 0.5m/s
Radius(r) of circle = 1m
Acceleration round a circular path is given as :
a = v^2 / r
Where
a = acceleration of the body
v = speed / velocity
r = radius
Therefore,
a = v^2 / r
a = (0.5)^2 / 1
a = 0.25m/s^2