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AP Physics 1
2.5 Newton’s Second Law
2.1 Systems and Center of Mass
IntermediateMCQConceptual18.7k
A rectangular cart on four wheels sits on a flat horizontal track. Inside the cart, two smaller rectangular blocks, labeled 1 and 2, have a compressed zigzag spring between them. Block 1 is on the left and block 2 is on the right. The track is labeled Frictionless Surface.
A cart-blocks-spring system at rest before the spring is released.
A system consists of a cart of mass M and two blocks of masses \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) that are initially at rest on a horizontal, frictionless track. A compressed spring is released between the two blocks, pushing them toward opposite ends of the cart. The blocks eventually collide with and stick to the interior walls of the cart. Which of the following correctly describes the horizontal motion of the center of mass of the cart-blocks-spring system and provides a valid justification?

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