Two objects,one of mass m₁ = 2 kg and the second of unknown mass,are connected by a compressed spring with negligible mass.The system is at rest on a frictionless table.Both objects are released simultaneously.m₁ is observed to recoil with velocity v₁ = 2 m/s ,and m₂ shots forward with velocity v₂ = 4 m/s .What is the mass of m₂? A)0.5 kg B)1 kg C)2 kg D)4 kg E)cannot be determined

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conservation of momentum can be used to solve this problem. The initial momentum of the system is zero because it is at rest. After the spring is released, the total momentum is still zero but is now split between the two objects. Using the equation p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity, we can set up the following equations: 2 kg * 11.2 m/s + unknown mass * 4 m/s = 0 Simplifying the equation: 22.4 + 4m = 0 4m = -22.4 m = -5.6 The negative result indicates that the unknown mass is in the opposite direction of the observed velocities, which is not physically possible. Therefore, we must discard this solution and conclude that the mass of m₂ is 1 kg.

Two Objects,one of Mass M1 = 2 Kg and the Second

Two Objects,one of Mass M₁ = 2 Kg and the Second