Coupled Oscillation attached at one end ?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining the equation of motion for a system of two coupled oscillating masses. The user expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem and references the standard form of motion, x = Acos(ωt), as potentially relevant. There is a suggestion that while energy methods could be used to approach the problem, they may not be necessary for simply finding the equations of motion. The consensus indicates that understanding the form of x is crucial for solving the differential equation, but the primary focus should remain on deriving the equations of motion without solving the equation completely. Overall, the emphasis is on clarifying the approach to the problem rather than executing a full solution.
GodPlaysDice
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Homework Statement



I'm supposed to determine the equation of motion of the two masses on the worksheet. I just need to start with that. Here is the problem statement:
http://www.physics.udel.edu/~jim/PHYS211_14S/Homework%20assignments/Assignment%205%20-%20coupled%20oscillations.pdf



Homework Equations


I'm assuming x = Acos(ωt) has something to do with it as well as the energy of a spring-mass system
K + U.


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know where to start. This is where I need the helping. Thank you for anyone who helps.
 
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It's very astute of you guessing the form of x. That is key to determining the solution of the differential equation. However, if the question is only asking for the equations of motion then I would interpret this to mean you don't have to solve the differential equation for x.

And although you could solve the problem using energy methods it is not usually the convention since this involves extra work that really isn't necessary I think in this case.
 

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