Block of mass is at rest and attached to the top of a spring. The block compresses the spring a distance from its uncompressed length at equilibrium. Block of mass is released from rest at a height above block . The two blocks collide and stick together. Express all answers in terms of , , , and physical constants, as appropriate.
(a) Derive an expression for the spring constant of the spring.
Question 2
(b) Derive an expression for the speed of block just before it collides with block .
Question 3
(c) Derive an expression for the speed of the blocks immediately after the collision.
Question 4
(d) Derive an expression for the maximum compression of the spring after the collision.
Question 5
(e) If the collision between the blocks was elastic, would the maximum compression of the spring be greater than, less than, or equal to that found in part (d)? Justify your answer
