Block of mass is at rest and attached to the top of a spring. The block compresses the spring a distance from its uncompressed length at equilibrium. Block of mass is released from rest at a height above block . The two blocks collide and stick together. Express all answers in terms of , , , and physical constants, as appropriate.

ADerive an expression for the spring constant of the spring.

Question 2

BDerive an expression for the speed of block just before it collides with block .

Question 3

CDerive an expression for the speed of the blocks immediately after the collision.

Question 4

DDerive an expression for the maximum compression of the spring after the collision.

Question 5

EIf the collision between the blocks was elastic, would the maximum compression of the spring be greater than, less than, or equal to that found in part (d)? Justify your answer