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Question

Two smooth blocks of masses m1 and m2 attached with an ideal spring of stiffness k and kept on a horizontal surface. If m1 is projected with a horizontal velocity ν0, find the maximum compression of the spring.
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Solution

Method 1.
Decide system: Block and spring.
Observation: No external force acting on system in horizontal direction.
Conclusion: Linear momentum as well as mechanical energy of system will be conserved. At the time of maximum compression both the blocks will move with common velocity.
Problem solving: using conservation of linear momentum at initial time and at time of maximum compression of spring. Let the common velocity of system be V.
Pi=m1ν0+0 and Pf=(m1+m2)V
A Pi=Pfm1ν0=(m1+m2)V
or V=m1ν0(m1+m2) (i)
Now using conservation of mechanical energy.
ΔK+ΔU=0
(KfKi)+ΔUspring=0
[(m1+m2)V212m1ν20]+12kx2=0 (ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
x=[m1m2(m1+m2)k]ν0

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