Find the ratio of mass spring, oscillation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two identical springs with different attached masses, where one spring oscillates at a frequency that is 2/5 of the other. The goal is to find the ratio of the masses attached to each spring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between frequency, mass, and spring constant in simple harmonic motion. Some express uncertainty about which equations to use, while others suggest deriving a ratio based on known relationships.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various equations related to frequency and mass. Some guidance has been offered regarding the basic formula for frequency in simple harmonic motion, and there is an acknowledgment of the forum's policy to assist rather than provide direct solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of homework rules, emphasizing the need for understanding rather than simply obtaining answers. There is a focus on deriving relationships rather than calculating specific values.

th3plan
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Homework Statement



Two identical springs have attached mass M1 on the one and mass m2 on the other. We found that the psrings with mass m1 osciallates with a 2/5 frequency of the other spring.. Find the ratio of the mass of spring B to that of spring A ( M2/M1)

Can someone work this out, so i can learn how to do it, because i don't get which equations to use to get a M2/M1 ratio, i know one for frequency F2/F1 , but not this
 
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What have you tried?
 
th3plan said:
i don't get which equations to use …

Hi th3plan! :smile:

Well, what equations do you know?

Tell us, and we'll tell you which one to use! :smile:
 
What is frequency?
What is the magnitude of spring force?
 
this is a simple harmonic problem, u don't need to know frequency or magnitude, because your just deriving an equation from it i believe, with the use of other equations
 
For the simple harmonic motion of a mass on a spring, how are frequency, mass, and spring constant related? Once you have that basic formula, set up a ratio.
 
th3plan said:
this is a simple harmonic problem, u don't need to know frequency or magnitude, because your just deriving an equation from it i believe, with the use of other equations

So what have you tried? Nobody here will work this out for you since its not the policy of this forum to do your homework, but to help you with it.

See this page, it may help:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/shm.html
 
Of course i don't want you to do my homework. I don't learn anything .

This is what i would think to do. I know frequency is 2/5, so to use equation

F=1/2pi [tex]\sqrt{k/m}[/tex]
 
That's all you need. Now plug in [itex]f_1, m_1[/itex] and compare with [itex]f_2, m_2[/itex].
 
  • #10
yes that what i was thinking to do :), just wanted to be sure
 

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