Explosions and CM

Two carts are joined by a thin string (or plunger), there is a compressed spring or spring steel with a spring constant k between the two carts that will expand upon cutting the string (releasing the plunger). 

• Upon cutting the string / releasing the plunger:

  1. Which cart experiences a greater force?

  2. Which cart undergoes a greater acceleration?

  3. Compare the momentum of cart A with that of cart B after the explosion.

  4. Determine the location of the center of mass before and after the 'explosion'.

  5. Is energy conserved during the explosion? Support your answer with quantitative data.

  6. Is momentum conserved during the explosion? Support your answer with qualitative data.