two disks with masses m 1 and m 2 are moving horizontally to the right at aspeed

Question

two disks with masses m1 andm2 are moving horizontally to the right at aspeed of v0. They are on an air-hockey table,which supports them with an essentially frictionless cushion ofair. They move as a unit, with a compressed spring between them,which has a negligible mass. Then the spring is released andallowed to push the disks outward. Consider the situation wheredisk 1 comes to a momentary halt shortly after the spring isreleased. Assuming that m1 = 1.3kg,m2 = 2.1 kg, and v0 =5.5 m/s, find the velocity of disk2 at that moment. m1 = 1.3kg,m2 = 2.1 kg, and v0 =5.5 m/s, find the velocity of disk2 at that moment.

Explanation / Answer

   m1 = 1.3 kg, m2 =2.1 kg, and v0 = +5.5 m/s

   According to law of conservation of momentum,

    ( m1 + m2 )vo = m1 v1 + m2v2

     ( 1.3 + 2.1 ) * 5.5 = 1.3 * 0 +2.1 v2

         v2 =3.4 * 5.5 / 2.1 = 9.228 m/s

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