Blocks A (mass 3.5 kg) and B (mass 5.5 kg) move on a frictionless, horizontal surface. Initially, block B is at rest and block A is moving toward it at 2.0 m/s. The blocks are equipped with ideal spring bumpers (as in Example 8.10, Section 8.4). The collision is head-on, so all motion before and after the collision is along a straight line.
(a) Find the maximum energy stored in the spring bumpers, in Joules.
(b) Find the velocity of each block at that time (the time of maximum stored energy in the bumpers), in m/s.
(c) Find the velocity of block A after they have moved apart, in m/s. Let the positive direction be that of Block A before the collision. Note that this value will have a sign and can be positive or negative.
(d) Find the velocity of block B after they have moved apart, in m/s. Let the positive direction be that of Block A before the collision. Note that this value will have a sign and can be positive or negative.
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