Question

A 0.454-kg block is attached to a horizontal spring that is at its equilibrium length, and whose force constant is 21.0 N/m. The block rests on a frictionless surface. A 5.90×10−2-kg wad of putty is thrown horizontally at the block, hitting it with a speed of 8.97 m/s and sticking.

Answer 1

a. Δx = 2.59 cm

Step-by-step explanation:

mb = 0.454 kg , mp = 5.9 x 10 ⁻² kg , vp = 8.97 m / s , k = 21.0 N / m

Using momentum conserved

mb * (0) + mp * vp = ( mb + mp ) * vf

vf = ( mp / mp + mb) * vp

¹/₂ * ( mp + mb) * (mp / mp +mb) ² * vp ² = ¹/₂ * k * Δx²

Solve to Δx '

Δx = √ ( mp² * vp² ) / ( k * ( mp + mb )

Δx = √ ( ( 5.9 x 10⁻² kg ) ² * (8.97 m /s) ² / [ 21.0 N / m * ( 5.9 x10 ⁻² kg + 0.454 kg ) ]

Δx = 0.02599 m ⇒ 2.59 cm