An object attached to three springs

[jd12345]

Homework Statement

An object of mass m is attached to three springs each of springs contant k. If the object is pushed slightly towards one of the springs find the time period of the oscillation

The springs are at equal angles from each other - which is 120 degrees.
The other ends of springs are attached to walls


2. The attempt at a solution
I have no idea how to start this question which contains three springs!

By the way, luckily i got the answer which is 2∏√(2m/3k)
please give the solution along with concept - i need to know how to solve problems where object is attached to more than one spring

 

[tiny-tim]

hi jd12345!

find the strength of the restoring force as a function of displacement …

if that's approximately proportional to the displacement (for small values), then the motion will be harmonic, and you can easily find the period

 

[jd12345]

hi jd12345!

find the strength of the restoring force as a function of displacement …

if that's approximately proportional to the displacement (for small values), then the motion will be harmonic, and you can easily find the period

Its not that easy. Displacement of one of the spring agaisnt which it is pushed be x.
IT provides an upwards force kx. But its hard to find elongation of other two springs

 

[tiny-tim]

hi jd12345!

(just got up :zzz: …)

… But its hard to find elongation of other two springs

hard?

Pythagoras could have done it!​