Two blocks with different masses are pressed against two springs that are attach

Question

Two blocks with different masses are pressed against two springs that are attached at the opposite ends to horizontal tracks. The two springs differ in stiffness, i.e., how difficult it is to stretch or compress the spring, and they are compressed by different lengths. The block with the larger mass is compressing the less stiff spring. The blocks are released and their energy of motion is measured just as each block loses contact with its spring. The two blocks are found to have the same energy of motion. What do you think the phrase "the blocks have the same energy of motion" means? How do you think the speeds of the blocks will compare when they leave the springs and why? The tracks the blocks are on are now raised to a 10 degree incline. The blocks again compress their springs by the same length they did above. When released which block do you think will go higher on the incline and why?

Explanation / Answer

1)

the phrase means that both the blocks have same kinetic energy

here same potential energy in converted in to kinetic energy

2)

for less mass the speed is more

for more mass the speed is less

3)

distance S = v^2 / 2a

here a is same for both blocks

For an inclination the block having higher speed will reach more height

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