Anna R.

asked • 03/26/13

physcis question

Two blocks, each of mass m, are connected on a frictionless horizontal table by a spring of force constant k and equilibrium length L. Find the maximum and minimum separation between the two blocks in terms of their maximum speed vmax relative to the table.  (The two blocks always move in opposite directions as they oscillate back and forth about a fixed positiona.)

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Grigori S. answered • 03/26/13

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The situation reminds a pendulum oscillating about its vertical line of equlibrium. The speed is maximum at the time when the string takes its original length. In the event when forces of friction are ignored we can apply the law of conservation of mechanical energy being sure that the left and right side dispalcements from the equlibrium position are the same. What comes to mathematical calculations, Mr. Robert J. has alreday shown, and his calculations are correct.

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