A block of mass lies on a perfectly smooth horizontal table
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics
Problem
A block of mass 0.50kg lies on a perfectly smooth horizontal table. It is attached to two light springs, one on each side, with force constants k1=150Nm−1 (left) and k2=250Nm−1 (right). Both springs are fixed at their other ends to rigid vertical walls. The block is pulled 2.0cm to the right of its equilibrium position and then released from rest.
(a) Identify the direction of the restoring force exerted by each spring at the instant of release.
(b) Explain how the net restoring force acting on the block can be obtained from the individual spring forces.
(c) State, with justification, whether the subsequent motion of the block will be simple harmonic about the equilibrium position.