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AP Physics 1
4.4 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
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Apparatus showing two blocks and a compressed spring between opposing curved ramps.
Apparatus showing two blocks and a compressed spring between opposing curved ramps.
An ideal spring of spring constant \(k\) is compressed by a distance \(\Delta x\) between two blocks on a level, frictionless surface. The surface transitions smoothly into identical curved, frictionless ramps on both the left and right sides. In two separate trials, the spring is compressed by the same distance \(\Delta x\) and the system is released from rest.

In Trial 1, Block 1 of mass \(M\) and Block 2 of mass \(M\) are released, reaching maximum vertical heights \(h_1\) and \(h_2\) on the left and right ramps, respectively.

In Trial 2, Block 3 of mass \(M\) and Block 4 of mass \(2M\) are released, reaching maximum vertical heights \(h_3\) and \(h_4\) on the left and right ramps, respectively.

Which of the following correctly ranks the maximum vertical heights \(h_1\), \(h_2\), \(h_3\), and \(h_4\)?

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