Question icon
Grade 12Modern Physics

A bullet of mass m moving with a velocity v collides head on with a block of mass m which is placed on a car of mass 4m. Bullet gets embedded in the block. The block is connected with car by massless spring of constant k. Find the maximum compression x of the spring. Neglect friction everywhere.

Profile image of Abdul  Qadeer
15 Years agoGrade 12
Answers icon

2 Answers

Profile image of AJIT AskiitiansExpert-IITD
15 Years ago

Dear Abdul , Always apply the two principles given below , trying with the force approach maybe complex,

Momentum conservation:

momemtum of bullet = momentum of (bullet + mass m +car)

mv =(m+m+4m) .v2

therefore , v2 = v/6

energy conservation:

 k.e of energy of bullet  = k.e of ( car +mass+ bullet ) + p.e of spring

1/2 * m* v= 1/2*(m+m+4m)*(v/6)2  + 1/2 *k *x2

5mv2/6 =  kx2

x = (5mv2/6k)1/2

Please feel free to post as many doubts on our discussion forum as you can. We are all IITians and here to help you in your IIT JEE preparation.


Now you can win exciting gifts by answering the questions on Discussion Forum. So help discuss any query on askiitians forum and become an Elite Expert League askiitian.

Win exciting gifts by answering the questions on Discussion Forum.

                                                                    
                                                                     
                                                                     
                                             
 





Profile image of Abdul  Qadeer
15 Years ago

Sir,

Thanks alot for spending your precious time. My approach is exactly same as yours. But unforunately the answer is not correct.

the correct answer is x=v(m/3k)^1/2