Two blocks of mass m1 and m2 rest on a frictionless table?

Question

Two blocks of mass m1 and m2 rest on a frictionless table and are connected by a spring. The blocks are pulled apart, stretching the spring, and then released. Describe the subsequent motion of the two blocks.

Physics conceptual question, please help thank you! I will def. rate A++ for the best answer!

Answer 1

First, the block having less mass is pulled towards the block having more mass. But, the small block also pulls the other. So, both blocks will move. But, the one with high mass will move a less distance. Then, as there is no friction, the object having larger mass will push the object with smaller mass. The blocks will continue to go, until they reach the end of table and fall.

Answer 2

Ps=Ke1+Ke2
When Ps=0
Ke1=Ke2 (don't worry about algebra since we care about absolute values only)
0.5m1V1^2=0.5m2V2^2
V1^2= (m2/m1)V2^2
V1=V2 sqrt(m2/m1)

By looking at the equation becomes evident that the speed of the less massive block will be larger or more massive block slower.