Question

A 450.0 -g block is attached to a spring of spring constant 45 N/m and is in simple harmonic motion on a frictionless surface with an amplitude of 7.5 cm. A second identical block, moving at 1.2 m/s in line with the spring, strikes the first one when the first block is at its equilibrium position and moving away from the second block. The two blocks stick together. What is the amplitude of the resulting oscillation?

Answer 1

Amplitude= 0.138 m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

please see the enclosed attachment for detailed explanation and step by step working.

we apply the laws of conservation of energy and linear momentum.

First we find the kinetic energy and maximum velocity of the block attached to the spring. Next we find the velocity of the combination of the two blocks. Then we find kinetic energy max and potential energy max of the spring and two block combination.