A 500-ton train and collides with a buffer stop while traveling at 2 m/s. A buffer stop is a safety device and is designed to stop trains in case of brake failures.
The mass of the buffer stop is 1.5 tons.
The buffer acts as a spring with a spring constant k = 1x106 N/m. Estimate the distance, in [m], by which the buffer stop spring is compressed.
Estimate the mean deceleration, in [m/s2], experienced by the train as it is halted.