Two identical blocks of mass M = 2.60 kg each are initially atrest on a smooth, horizontal table. A bullet of very small mass m =20 g (m << M) is fired at a high speed v. = 120 m/s towardsthe first block. It quickly exits the first block at a reducedspeed of 0.40 v, then strikes the second block, quickly gettingembedded inside of it. All the motion happens on the x-axis.
(a) find the speeds of the two blocks after their encounterswith the bullet.
(b) Now the first block catches up with the second one andcollides with it. They got stuck together afterward and moveforward. Find their common speed V after the collision.
(c) The two blocks now hit a light spring of spring constant k =35 N/m mounted on the wall. How far is the spring compressed beforethe blocks reach a momentary stop?
