A simple device to measure projectile speed consists of a block of ballistic material of mass M attached to a wall by a spring (of negligible mass; we don't know its spring constant) and resting on a flat, frictionless surface. The device is impacted by a projectile of mass m, which embeds itself in the material, after which the two move together in simple harmonic motion with amplitude A and period T. a) During the collision for this system, is energy conserved? Is momentum in the horizontal direction conserved? b) After the collision, is energy conserved? What about momentum? c) What was the initial velocity v of the projectile before the collision (again in terms of m, M, A, and T)? d) Compute v for m = 5 g, M = 1 kg, A = 5 cm, and T=0.201 s.
Simple harmonic motion
Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion in which an object undergoes oscillatory motion. The restoring force exerted by the object exhibiting SHM is proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. The force is directed towards the mean position. We see many examples of SHM around us, common ones are the motion of a pendulum, spring and vibration of strings in musical instruments, and so on.
Simple Pendulum
A simple pendulum comprises a heavy mass (called bob) attached to one end of the weightless and flexible string.
Oscillation
In Physics, oscillation means a repetitive motion that happens in a variation with respect to time. There is usually a central value, where the object would be at rest. Additionally, there are two or more positions between which the repetitive motion takes place. In mathematics, oscillations can also be described as vibrations. The most common examples of oscillation that is seen in daily lives include the alternating current (AC) or the motion of a moving pendulum.
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