Question

A block, M1=10kg, slides down a smooth, curved incline of height 5m. It collides elastically with another block, M2=5kg, which is sitting at the bottom of the incline. Assume the first block comes to rest after the collision. The second box travels over a rough surface (µk = 0.5) for 2m. At the end of the rough surface there is a spring of spring constant 250N/m. The spring is on a frictionless surface. By how much would the second block compress the spring?

Answer 1

2.86 m

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

M₁ = 10 kg

M₂ = 5 kg

`\mu_k` = 0.5

height, h = 5 m

distance traveled, s = 2 m

spring constant, k = 250 N/m

now,

the initial velocity of the first block as it approaches the second block

u₁ = √(2 × g × h)

or

u₁ = √(2 × 9.8 × 5)

or

u₁ = 9.89 m/s

let the velocity of second ball be v₂

now from the conservation of momentum, we have

M₁ × u₁ = M₂ × v₂

on substituting the values, we get

10 × 9.89 = 5 × v₂

or

v₂ = 19.79 m/s

now,

let the velocity of mass 2 when it reaches the spring be v₃

from the work energy theorem, we have

Work done by the friction force = change in kinetic energy of the mass 2

or

`0.5*5*9.8*2 = (1)/(2)*5*( v_3^2-19.79^2)`

or

v₃ = 20.27 m/s

now, let the spring is compressed by the distance 'x'

therefore, from the conservation of energy

we have

Energy of the spring = Kinetic energy of the mass 2

or

`(1)/(2)kx^2=(1)/(2)mv_3^2`

on substituting the values, we get

`(1)/(2)*250* x^2=(1)/(2)*5*20.27^2`

or

x = 2.86 m