How exactly is kinetic energy transferred between two moving objects when a force is applied?
I have a question about how kinetic energy is transferred between two objects when a force is applied between them. It sounds simple but when thinking about "what really happens" I have some questions. I also checked other entries but couldn't find a detailed explanation.
I will use a basic example, the elastic collision.
Let's say I have two objects with the same mass, a spring (considered with no mass) is attached to the first object.
t=1: Object 1 accelerated from 0m/s to 10m/s. Object 2 is not moving.
t=2: Object 1 has reached object 2 and the spring between them is compressed. Object 1 and object 2 are now both moving with 5m/s. 1/4 of the initial kinetic energy is stored in each object, 1/2 in the compression of the spring.
t=3: While the spring expands to its original state, object 1 is decelerated until it reaches 0m/s, object 2 is accelerated until it reaches 10m/s.
For the numbers, momentum and energy conservation everything is fine. 512
Momentum and energy has not changed. At t=2 a part of the energy is stored in the compressed spring.
Where I have some questions: From t=2, the spring decelerates object 1. The kinetic energy from object 1 is transferred to object 2.
What is the mechanism how the energy "flows" through the spring from object 1 to object 2? I have trouble seeing how the object that is pushed back can propagate its energy.
I can imagine that if I would stop object 2 for a short time, the spring will be compressed further by object 1 (kinetic energy is converted). If I then stop object 1 for a short time the spring will expand and thus accelerate object 2.
But as the transition happens continuously, I wonder how this mechanism works in detail. As long as object 1 is faster than object 2 it is clear to me, as object 1 is still compressing the spring. I have trouble to imagine what happens exactly when object 1 is slower than object 2 but it still passes on the momentum and energy.
Is there any model what happens in detail? Some backgrounds would be highly appreciated. It's one of the questions where I can observe and calculate the behaviour, but would like to have more explanation. 927