Meriam, Kraige & Bolton — Kinetics of Particles: Problem 3_118

3/118 The light rod is pivoted at O and carries the 5- and 10-lb particles. If the rod is released from rest at \(\theta = 60^\circ\) and swings in the vertical plane, calculate (a) the velocity \(v\) of the 5-lb particle just before it hits the spring in the dashed position and (b) the maximum compression \(x\) of the spring. Assume that \(x\) is small so that the position of the rod when the spring is compressed is essentially horizontal.