Question

Two blocks have mass m and M=2.77 m, respectively. A light spring is attached to one of them, and the blocksare pushed together, compressing the spring between them. They are secured, in this compressed state, by a cord. They are then placed, at rest, on a horizontal frictionless surface. The cord holding them together is burned, after which the block of mass M moves to the right with a speed of 1.38 m/s. What is the speed of the block of mass m? Answer in units of m/s

Answer 1

Answer:

3.8226 m/s

Explanation:

Momentum is conserved hence

equating momentum, p

p (before) = p (after)

0 = (m1v1)+(M2v2)  but m2=2.77m where m and v are the masses and velocity respectively

0 = (mv1) +(2.77m)(1.38)

(mv1)=-(2.77m)(1.38)

(v1)=-(2.77)(1.38)

Solving v1

v1 = - 3.8226 m/s

= 3.8226 m/s, to the left