College Physics with MasteringPhysics 7th Edition by Jerry Wilson,Anthony Buffa,Bo Lou

Exercise 32

Two identical springs (neglect their masses) are used to "play catch" with a small block of mass 100 g (Fig.). Spring A is attached to the floor and compressed 10.0 cm with the mass on the end of it (loosely). Spring A is released from rest and the mass is accelerated upward. It impacts the spring attached to the ceiling, compresses it 2.00 cm, and stops after traveling a distance of 30.0 cm from the relaxed position of spring A to the relaxed position of spring B as shown. Determine the spring constant of the two springs (same since they are identical).

FIGURE Playing catch See Exercise.