A block of mass m1 = 19.5 kg slides along a horizontal surface (with friction, μk = 0.35) a distance d = 2.6 m before striking a second block of mass m2 = 8.25 kg. The first block has an initial velocity of v = 6.5 m/s. (a) Assuming that block one stops after it collides with block two, what is block two's velocity after impact in m/s?
(b) How far does block two travel, d2 in meters, before coming to rest after the collision?

19.5 m/s

87.8 m

Explanation:

The acceleration of block one is:

∑F = ma

-m₁gμ = m₁a

a = -gμ

a = -(9.8 m/s²) (0.22)

a = -2.16 m/s²

The velocity of block one just before the collision is:

v² = v₀² + 2aΔx

v² = (8.25 m/s)² + 2 (-2.16 m/s²) (2.3 m)

v = 7.63 m/s

Momentum is conserved, so the velocity of block two just after the collision is:

m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂

m₁u₁ = m₂v₂

(18.5 kg) (7.63 m/s) = (7.25 kg) v

v = 19.5 m/s

The acceleration of block two is also -2.16 m/s², so the distance is:

v² = v₀² + 2aΔx

(0 m/s)² = (19.5 m/s)² + 2 (-2.16 m/s²) Δx

Δx = 87.8 m