Question: A mass M = 0.454kg moves with an initial speed v = 2.88m/s on a level frictionless air track. The mass is initially a distance D = .250m away from a spring with k = 876N/m, which is mounted rigidly at one end of the air track. The mass compresses the spring a maximum distance d, before reversing direction. After bouncing off the spring, the mass travels with the same speed v, but in the opposite direction.
Part A: Determine the maximum distance that the spring is compressed.
Part B: Find the total elapsed time until the mass returns to its starting point.
Please clarify the equations and steps are used to get the answer. Thanks!