Question

In an linear momentum conservation experiment, different spring was attached to force sensor.
As a result, the difference in momentum was greater and difference in kinetic energy was smaller in experiment where the spring constant was small.
How can I physically interpret this result?

Answer 1

Because rate of change of momentum is directly proportional to spring force and spring force is directly proportional to length of compression .where as in case of kinetic energy it is directly proportional to square of length of compression or expansion . As spring constant is small then stiffness of spring is small hence it is compress more .so block come to rest easily and difference on momentum is large .but kinetic energy stored as potential energy is more so difference is less