Question

Two masses m₁, and m₂ are connected by a spring of spring constant k and are placed on a frictionless horizontal surface. Initially the spring is stretched through a distance x_o when the system is released from rest. Find the distance moved by the two masses before they again come to rest.

Answer 1

⇒ m₁(2x₀ – x₂) = m₂x₂ ⇒ 2m₁x₀ – m₁x₂ = m₂x₂ ⇒ x₂ = (2m₁/m₁+m₂)x₀