Chapter 13, Problem 35PCE

Predict/Explain The two blocks in Figure 13-34 have the same mass, m. All the springs have the same force constant, k, and are at their equilibrium length. When the blocks are set into oscillation, (a) is the period of block 1 greater than, less than, or equal to the period of block 2? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

Figure 13-34 Problems 35 and 39

1. I.              Springs in parallel are stiffer than springs in series; therefore the period of block 1 is smaller than the period of block 2.
2. II.            The two blocks experience the same restoring force for a given displacement from equilibrium, and hence they have equal periods of oscillation.
3. III.         The force of the two springs on block 2 partially cancel one another, leading to a longer period of oscillation.