Physics Question

Question

A block of mass m1 = 5.6 kg, moving on a frictionless surface with a velocity of (v1)i = 6.5 m/s to the right, collides with a block of mass m2 at rest. After the collision, m1 recoils with a velocity of (v1)f = 0.70 m/s to the left. If the blocks are in contact for 0.20 s, what is the magnitude and direction of the average force on m1, while the two blocks are in contact?

Answer 1

This looks like an impulse problem.  

 

I₁ = F₁t = Δp₁ = m₁v_1f - m₁v_1i = m₁(v_1f - v_1i)

 

F₁ = m₁(v_1f - v_1i)/t = (5.6)(-0.70 - 6.5)/0.20 N = -201.6 N [points left]