As the drawing illustrates, two disks with masses m 1 and m 2 are movinghorizont

Question

As the drawing illustrates, two disks with massesm1 and m2 are movinghorizontally to the right at a speed of v0.They are on an airhockey table, which supports them with anessentially frictionless cushion of air. They move as a unit, witha compressed spring between them, which has a negligible mass. Thenthe spring is released and allowed to push the disks outward.Consider the situation where disk 1 comes to a momentary haltshortly after the spring is released. Assuming thatm1 = 1.4 kg, m2 = 2.5 kg,and v0 = +4.5 m/s, find the velocity of disk 2at that moment.

Explanation / Answer

   since friction is negligible and the aircushion balances the weight of the disks, we can apply theprinciple of conservation    of linear momentum    remembering that disk 1 comes to a haltafter the spring is released, we have    (1.4 kg) (0 m / s) + (2.5 m / s)vf2 = (1.4 kg + 2.5 kg) (4.5 m / s)    vf2 = .......... m / s

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.