Two blocks, each with a mass m = 0.400 kg, can slide without friction on a horizontal surface. Initially, block 1 is in motion with a speed $v$ = 1.20 m/s; block 2 is at rest. When block 1 collides with block 2, a spring bumper on block 1 is compressed. Maximum compression of the spring occurs when the two blocks move with the same speed, v/2 = 0.600 m/s. If the maximum compression of the spring is 1.77 cm, what is its force constant?
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