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A 1.6 kg box moves back and forth on a horizontal frictionless surface between t

ID: 1347364 • Letter: A

Question

A 1.6 kg box moves back and forth on a horizontal frictionless surface between two different springs, as shown in the accompanying figure. The box is initially pressed against the stronger spring, compressing it 4.6 cm , and then is released from rest.

A)By how much will the box compress the weaker spring?

Express your answer in centimeters to two significant figures.

B)What is the maximum speed the box will reach?

Express your answer in meters per second to two significant figures.

k = 32 N/cm k = 16 N/cm Frictionless surface

Explanation / Answer

A. apply from the law of conservation of energy

U1 = U2

0.5 k1 x1^2 = 0 5k2 x2^2

x2^2 = 32 0.046^2/16

x2 = 6.5 cm

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0.5 kx^2 = 0.5 mv^2

v1^2 = 32 * 0.046* 0.046/1.6

v1 = 0.205 m/s speed of Stronger spring

V2^2 = 16 * 0.046* 0.046/1.6

V2 = 0.145 m/s is the speed of weaker spring