- #1
TonyTheBeat
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Homework Statement
The equilibrium length of each spring in the figure(attached, hopefully it shows up) is b, so when the mass m is at the center, neither spring exerts any force on it. When the mass is displaced to the side, the springs stretch; their spring constant is k.
(a) Find the energy, U, stored in the springs, as a function of y, the distance of the mass up or down from the center.
(b) Show that the period of small up-down oscillations is infinite.
Homework Equations
Potential Energy= mgy
or for springs=.5(ky^2)
The Attempt at a Solution
I really don't know how to go about it, but I've tried using a different equation that our professor showed us that goes (1/2)kx^2 + bx^4. I'm not understanding where the initial and finals are located. Also, the problem says it is stretched to the side so that would indicate a horizontal plane in which the gravitational energy is constant and can be left out, right? It is a symbolic problem so this is all that is given and the answer should be in Joules I believe or Nm-1. I have attached the figure for the problem. Any sort of help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced! :shy: