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AP Physics 1
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
4.2 Change in Momentum and Impulse
AdvancedMCQMathematicalConceptual14.8k
Two carts on a horizontal track with a compressed spring between them.
Two carts on a horizontal track with a compressed spring between them.
Two carts of masses \(m\) and \(2m\) are held together at rest on a rough horizontal surface with a compressed spring of negligible mass between them. At time \(t = 0\), the spring is released, pushing the cart of mass \(m\) in the \(+x\)-direction and the cart of mass \(2m\) in the \(-x\)-direction. The coefficient of kinetic friction between each cart and the surface is \(\mu\). Assuming both carts are still sliding, what is the velocity \(v_{\text{cm}}\) of the center of mass of the two-cart system in the \(+x\)-direction as a function of time \(t\)?

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