Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Conservation of Momentum
The conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the total momentum after the event. This principle is crucial for analyzing collisions, as it allows us to relate the velocities of the glider and the spring before and after the interaction.
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Hooke's Law
Hooke's Law describes the behavior of springs, stating that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement from the equilibrium position, expressed as F = -kx, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement. Understanding this law is essential for determining the force acting on the glider during its contact with the spring.
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Spring Force (Hooke's Law)
Impulse and Momentum Change
Impulse is defined as the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time. The relationship between impulse and momentum change is given by the equation Impulse = Force × Time. This concept is key to calculating how long the glider is in contact with the spring, as it relates the force exerted by the spring to the change in the glider's momentum.
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Impulse & Impulse-Momentum Theorem