Momentum Problem
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Description
The mass on the left is 1.0 kg. The two masses are locked together with
a spring trying to push them apart. When “play” is
presses, the masses are released and travel in opposite directions. The
spring exerts its force equally to the two masses. Measure the relative
velocities of the two masses. Position is in meters and time is in seconds.
Questions
1. What is the value of the right-hand mass? Use the relative velocities.
2. What is the velocity of the center of mass of the two carts after
the spring is released. Start
e-mail your discussion to dcollins@warren-wilson.edu
Credits
Original Physlet problem authored by Aaron Titus. Augmented by Donald Collins
of Warren Wilson College.
Physlets developed by Wolfgang Christian and Mario Belloni of Davidson
College.