Chapter 9 – Discussion Question 1
Equal forces push together two equal-mass boxes on a frictionless surface. Both boxes have the same initial speed and the same, slower final speed. Let the system be the boxes and the spring.
a) Is the work done on the system positive, negative, or zero? Explain.
b) Is ΔEsys positive, negative, or zero? Explain.
c) Is the change in kinetic energy in the system positive, negative, or zero? Explain.
d) Finally, is there another form of energy in the system that has changed? If yes, then what is it and has it increased or decreased? If you answered no, then explain why not.