Two Blocks with Masses 2

question 39

Multiple Choice

Two blocks with masses 2.0 kg and 3.0 kg are placed on a horizontal frictionless surface. A light spring is placed in a horizontal position between the blocks. The blocks are pushed together, compressing the spring, and then released from rest. After contact with the spring ends, the 3.0-kg mass has a speed of 2.0 m/s. How much potential energy was stored in the spring when the blocks were released?

• A) 15 J
• B) 3.0 J
• C) 6.0 J
• D) 12 J
• E) 9.0 J

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Definitions:

Artificial Settings

Environments created or manipulated by researchers to study behavior in controlled conditions, which may not perfectly mimic real-life situations.

Experimental Method

A research methodology involving the manipulation of variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

Cause-and-effect Conclusions

Deductive reasoning that connects an action or event (the cause) to outcomes or consequences (the effect), establishing a causal relationship.

Descriptive/Correlational Research

A research method that involves observing and describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it in any way, often used to identify patterns or relationships between variables.