Chapter 11, Problem 22PQ

In a laboratory experiment, 1 a block of mass M is placed on a frictionless table at the end of a relaxed spring of spring constant k. 2 The spring is compressed a distance x₀ and 3 a small ball of mass m is launched into the block as shown in Figure P11.22. The ball and block stick together and are projected off the table of height h. Find an expression for the horizontal displacement ℓ of the ball–block system from the end of the table until it hits the floor in terms of the parameters given.

FIGURE P11.22