Answer:
The lighter ball emerges from the other end at a speed of v = √3 · v0
Explanation:
Hi there!
Since the balls had the same elastic potential energy when resting at the side of the compressed spring, both balls must have acquired the same kinetic energy. The kinetic energy, KE, is calculated as follows:
KE = 1/2 · m · v²
Where:
m = mass of the ball.
v = velocity.
In our case:
KE heavier ball = KE lighter ball
1/2 · 3m · v0² = 1/2 · m · v²
multiply by 2 and divide by m both sides of the equation:
3 · v0² = v²
√3 · v0 = v
The lighter ball emerges from the other end at a speed of v = √3 · v0
