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Question: Two blocks, one with a mass of 5 kg and one with a mass of 10 kg, are connected by a spring. You move them together so the spring is compressed between them. When you let go, both blocks accelerate away from each other. Which of the following statements is true of this situation?
Without knowing further specifics of the situation, here are some general statements of truth that can be derived from the given scenario: 1) The force exerted by the spring on each of the blocks is equal and opposite, as per Newton's third law of motion. 2) When the blocks are released, they will accelerate in opposite directions. 3) Because of Newton's second law, the acceleration of each block is inversely proportional to its mass, given that the force from the spring is the same for both. This means the 5 kg block will accelerate at a faster rate than the 10 kg block. 4) The total momentum of the system is conserved since there are no external forces. This means that the 5 kg block will have a greater speed, but its momentum (mass x velocity) will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the momentum of the 10 kg block. 5) The total energy in the system (potential energy stored in the spring and the kinetic energy of the blocks) remains constant, assuming there is no friction or air resistance. This is due to the law of conservation of energy. So in summary, both blocks will be pushed apart, the lighter block (5 kg) will accelerate faster and move at a greater speed than the heavier one (10 kg), but their momenta will be equal and opposite and total energy in the system will be conserved.
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