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REVIANNA
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Homework Statement
A block of mass m is attached to a spring with a force constant k, as in the above diagram. Initially, the spring is compressed a distancex from the equilibrium and the block is held at rest. Another block, of mass 2m, is placed a distance x/2 from the equilibrium as shown. After the spring is released, the blocks collide inelastically and slide together. How far (Δx) would the blocks slide beyond the collision point? Neglect friction between the blocks and the horizontal surface.
The Attempt at a Solution
At first I thought that this question is very easy.But now I don't know how I should break the problem up such that I can write neat equations for momentum and energy conservation.
should I consider the intermediate position when m reaches its equilibrium position and its energy is purely kinetic ? the question asks for delx but the equations contain only velocity terns and why will it even stop post collision there is no friction?
edit:
I understood that it will stop because it would have a leftward velocity and would eventually crash into the spring compressing it by delx