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

Question

As the drawing illustrates, two disks with masses m1 and m2 are moving horizontally to the right at a speed of v0. They are on an airhockey table, which supports them with an essentially frictionless cushion of air. They move as a unit, with a compressed spring between them, which has a negligible mass. Then the spring is released and allowed to push the disks outward. Consider the situation where disk 1 comes to a momentary halt shortly after the spring is released. Assuming that m1 = 1.2 kg, m2 = 2.2 kg, and v0 = +5.3 m/s, find the velocity of disk 2 at that momen

t.

Explanation / Answer

Because linear momentum is conserved, Pf = Po so (m1 x vf1) + (m2 x vf2) = (m1 x vo1) + (m2 x vo2)
Therefore, (1.2 x 0) + (2.2x vf2) = (1.2x 5.3) + (2.2x 5.3)
2.2 x vf2 = 18.02
vf2 = 8.19m/s

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