Chapter 8, Problem 77AP

A block of mass m, after sliding down a frictionless incline, strikes another block of mass M that is attached to a spring of spring constant k (see below). The blocks stick together upon impact and travel together. (a) Find the compression of the spring in terms of m, M, h, g, and k when the combination comes to rest. Hint: The speed of the combined blocks m + M ( $v_2$ ,) is based on the speed of block in just prior to the collision with the block M ( $v_1$ ) based on the equation $v_2=(m/m)=M(v_1).$< This will be discussed further in the chapter on Linear Momentum and Collisions. (b) The loss of kinetic energy as a result of the bonding of the two masses upon impact is stored in the so-called binding energy of the two masses. Calculate the binding energy.