Physics students are studying linear and simple harmonic motion. They place two identical blocks on a horizontal, frictionless surface. On the left side of their setup is a horizontal, ideal spring with negligible mass and a spring constant k₁connected to a vertical wall. They place block A up against the spring, compressing it a distance d₁, while holding it in place. The figure below shows scenario 1 and four stages of the experiment at specific time intervals:t₁throught₄. Scenario 1 The following table describes the events that occurred in Scenario 1:

Time	Events
t1	Block A is released. Block B is at rest on the other end of the setup.
t2	The spring is uncompressed a distance of d1. Block A departs the spring.
t3	Block A collides with and sticks to block B.
t4	Blocks A and B move along the surface together.

1. Consider the time intervalt₁to just aftert₂. Is the linear momentum of the two-block system increasing, decreasing, or constant? Briefly explain. (3 points)
2. Consider the time intervalt₁throught₂. Does the spring do zero work, positive work, or negative work on the two-block system? Briefly explain. (3 points)
3. Consider the time intervalt₂throught₄. Is the mechanical energy of the two-block system increasing, decreasing, or constant? Briefly explain. (3 points)
4. In scenario 2, the students set up the experiment identical to scenario 1 except the students use asofterspring. For scenario 2, k₂1and the spring compresses the same distance as in scenario 1, d₁. Block A still collides with and sticks to block B. The following graph shows the displacement for block A and then block A and block B together as a function of time after throught₄. One line represents scenario 1 (larger spring constant), and the other represents scenario 2 (smaller spring constant).

Physics students are studying linear and simple harmonic motien. They place two identical blocks on a horizental, frictionless surface. On the left side of their setup is a horizental, ideal spring with negligible mass and a spring constant k, connected to a vertical wall. They place block A up against the spring, compressing it a distance d4, while holding it in place. The figure below shows scenario 1 and four stages of the experiment at specific time intervals: ; through 2, Scenario 1 s The following table describes the events that occurred in Scenario 1 t; |BlockAls released. Block B is at rest on the other end of the setup. ty | The spring is uncompressed a distance of d;. Block A departs the spring t; | Block A collides with and sticks to block B ty |Blocks Aand B move along the surface together. a. Consider the time interval , to just after t,. Is the linear momentum of the two-block system increasing, decreasing, or constant? Briefly explain. (3 points) b. Consider the time interval t; through t,. Does the spring do zero work, positive work, or negative work on the two-block system? Briefly explain. (3 points) . Consider the time interval t; through #,. Is the mechanical energy of the two-block system increasing, decreasing, or constant? Briefly explain. (3 points) d. In scenario 2, the students set up the experiment identical to scenario 1 except the students use a softer spring. For scenario 2, k