Two blocks of masses M and M3 are placed on a horizontal, frictionless plane. A light spring is attached to one of them, and the blocks are pushed together with the spring between them. A cord initially holding them together is burned; after that happens, the block of mass 3M moves to the right with a speed of 2.00m/s.
a) Find what is the velocity of mass M?
b) Find what is the systems elastic potential energy, taking M=3.5 kilogram?
c) Determine is the original energy in the spring or the cord? Explain.
d) Determine is momentum conserved in the bursting process? How?