Calculating Frequency of Oscillation for Different Masses on a Spring

AI Thread Summary
A 0.25kg mass on a vertical spring oscillates at a frequency of 1.0 Hz, and the question arises about the frequency when a 0.50kg mass is used instead. The correct relationship for the frequencies based on mass is derived from the formula f1/f2 = √(m2/m1). The error in the initial calculation was squaring the mass ratio instead of taking the square root, leading to an incorrect frequency of 0.25 Hz instead of the correct 0.71 Hz. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately applying the formula for frequency in oscillatory motion.
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"A 0.25kg mass on a vertical spring oscillates with a frequency of 1.0 Hz. Suppose a 0.50kg mass were instead suspended from the same spring. What would be the frequency of oscillation in this case?"

This is what I did:
\frac{f_{1}}{f_{2}} = \frac {\sqrt{\frac{k}{m_{1}}}}{\sqrt{\frac{k}{m_{2}}}}
\frac{f_{1}}{f_{2}} = \sqrt{\frac{m_{2}}{m_{1}}}
f_{2} = \frac{1}{4} f_{1}
f_{2} = 0.25 Hz
however, the answer is 0.71 Hz. What did I do wrong?
 
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You got the ratio m_2/m_1 wrong. The ratio is 2, which means that \sqrt{m_2/m_1}=\sqrt{2}, but you have 4.

So in short I think you squared the 2 when you should have taken the square root.
 
You are absolutely correct! I didn't realize I did that. Thanks for the prompt reply!
 
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