9231 P32 - Nov 2021 - Q2 - 6 marks
6997
A light spring \(A B\) has natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(5 m g\). The end \(A\) of the spring is attached to a fixed point on a smooth horizontal surface. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to the end \(B\) of the spring. The spring and particle \(P\) are at rest on the surface.
Another particle \(Q\) of mass \(k m\) is moving with speed \(\sqrt{4 g a}\) along the horizontal surface towards \(P\) in the direction \(B A\). The particles \(P\) and \(Q\) collide directly and coalesce. In the subsequent motion the greatest amount by which the spring is compressed is \(\frac{1}{5} a\).
Find the value of \(k\).
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