SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION

1.

Name

Mech
HW-',

Consider the four block-and-spring(s) systems shown at

right, Each block moves on a horizontal, frictionless
table. The blocks all have the same mass m, and all of the
springs are identical and ideal, with spring constant ft. At
the instant shown, each block is released from rest a
distance A to the right of its equilibrium position

(indicated by the dashed line).

In case B, assume that each spring is at its equilibrium
length when the block is at its equilibrium position.

a. Rank the cases according

to magnitude of the net

force on the block at the instant shown, from largest to
smallest. (Hint: In case C, how far was the point
connecting the two springs displaced when the block
was displaced a distance A?) Explain.

Case C

Case D

b.

Use your answers above to rank the cases according to the time it takes the block to return to
its equilibrium position. Explain.

Tutorlals in Introductory Physics

McDermott, Shaffer, and the p.E.G., U. Wash,

@Pearson

Custom 2"d

H, for U.CO, Boulder

Mech

Simple harmonic motion

HW-80

c.

2.

The total potential energy of a system of multiple springs is defined to be the sum of the
potential energies stored in each of the springs. Rank the cases according to total potential
energy at the instant shown. (Hint: In each case, consider how much each individual spring
is extended.) Explain.

Suppose that in cases B, C, and D, each combination of springs were replaced by a single spring
such that the motion of the block is the same as before the replacement. We will call the spring

constant of this new spring the effective spring constant of the original combination.

Qgantitatively, the effective gpring constant,k"n, may be defined by the relationship

spring = -kuri, where )Fu**, rp,ing is the sum of all forces on the block by the springs, and
the position of the block with respect to the equilibrium position.
EFuo"*,

a.

Rank fhe four cases according to k"6,from largest to smallest. Explain.

b.

Use your ranking above and the relationship Z

2z^[M

is

to rank the cases according to

period of oscillation. Explain.

Is your ranking of the period consistent with your ranking in part b of problem 1? If not,
resolve the inconsistency.

c.

Use your ranking from part a and the relationship

4.," = LlZ k"rrA'to rank the cases according

to total energy. Explain.

Is your ranking of the total energy consistent with your ranking in part c of problem 1?
not, resolve the inconsistency.

Tutorials in Introductory Physics

McDermott, Shaffer, and the P.E.G., U. Wash.

If

@Pearson

Custom zod EA., for U.CO, Boulder