Halliday, Resnick & Walker — Oscillations: Problem Problem_34

In Fig. 15.22, block 2 of mass 2.0 kg oscillates on the end of a spring in SHM with a period of 20 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?