Halliday, Resnick & Walker — Oscillations: Problem 58

58 In Fig. 15-39, block 2 of mass 2.0 kg oscillates on the end of a spring in SHM with a period of 14.1 ms. The block’s position is given by \(x = (1.0 \text{ cm}) \cos(\omega t + \pi/2)\). Block 1 of mass 4.0 kg slides toward block 2 with a velocity of magnitude 6.0 m/s, directed along the spring’s length. The two blocks undergo a completely inelastic collision at time \(t = 5.0 \text{ ms}\). (The duration of the collision is much less than the period of motion.) What is the amplitude of the SHM after the collision?