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F = ma (11–17)
Momentum
FMA-2020B-16 · 2020B F = ma (AAPT)

2020 F = ma Exam B — Question 16

A mass M sits on top of a vertical spring of spring constant k, in equilibrium. A mass m is held a height h above it. The mass M is then pushed downward by a distance ∆x, and both masses are released from rest simultaneously. For what value of h will the two masses first collide when M first returns to its equilibrium position? πM 2 g 2 4k 2 ∆x 8M g (B) 2 π k Mg (C) k π2M g (D) 8k πk∆x2 (E) 4M g
Source: Question 16, 2020 F = ma Exam B, © 2020 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.