Q. In the figure, the ball A is released from rest when the spring is at its natural length. For the block $B$ of mass $M$ to leave contact with the ground at same stage, the minimum mass of $A$ must be

A) 2$M$
B) $M$
C) $\frac{M}{2}$
D) A function of $M$ and the force constant of the spring
Explanation

(c) For minimum mass of $m$, mass $M$ breaks off contact when elongation in spring is maximum
At the time of break off, block $A$ is at lowest position and its speed is zero. At an instant $t_{1}$
$mg - kx = ma$
$v\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{mg - kx}{m}$
[image:5_image251.emf]
$\int_{0}^{0}{vdv} = \int_{0}^{x}{\left( g - \frac{k}{m}x \right)dx}$
Where $x_{0}$ is maximum elongation is spring
$0 = g\ x_{0} - \frac{kx_{0}^{2}}{2m}$
$x = \frac{2mg}{k}$
At the time of break off of block $B$
$Mg = kx_{0}$
$Mg = 2mg$
$m = \frac{M}{2}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

Want more practice?
Practice Laws Of Motion MCQs