Two ideal springs of force constants and are connected in parallel to a block resting…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
Two ideal springs of force constants k1=400Nm−1 and k2=600Nm−1 are connected in parallel to a 2.0kg block resting on a friction-free horizontal surface.
(a) Calculate the effective force constant keff of the spring combination.
(b) Determine the natural angular frequency ω0 and the ordinary frequency (in hertz) of small oscillations of the block.
(c) A periodic driving force of constant amplitude acts on the block with a frequency equal to the natural frequency found in part (b). Qualitatively predict how the steady-state amplitude of the block compares with its amplitude when the driving frequency is far away from ω0, assuming negligible damping.