Question

Two identical blocks are connected to opposite ends of a compressed spring. the blocks initially slide together on a frictionless surface with a velocity v to the right. at some instant, the left block is moving at v/2 to the left and the other block is moving to the right. what is the speed of the center of the mass of they system at that instant?

Answer 1

Answer:

v to the right.

Explanation:

If there is no external force on the system, then the velocity of the center of mass is constant.

The initial velocity of center of mass is v to the right. Therefore, the velocity of the center of mass at any point is v to the right.