Chapter 11, Problem 5Q

Two equal masses are attached to separate identical springs next to one another. One mass is pulled so its spring stretches 40 cm and the other is pulled so its spring stretches only 20 cm. The masses are released simultaneously. Which mass reaches the equilibrium point first?

To determine

The mass which reaches the equilibrium point first.

Answer to Problem 5Q

Solution:

The two masses would arrive at the equilibrium point simultaneously.

Explanation of Solution

The two masses would arrive at the equilibrium point simultaneously. As the masses, m are the same $\left(m_1=m_2=m\right)$ and spring constants $k\left(k_1=k_2=k\right)$ are the same so they have the same period T.

  $T_1=T_2=T=2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$

The angular frequency f does not depend on the amplitude and thus, would be the same for both systems.

Conclusion:

The two masses would arrive at the equilibrium point simultaneously.