How Do You Calculate Oscillation Frequency for a Mass with Two Springs?

[TDAWG12489]

Homework Statement

A 8.3 kg mass slides on a frictionless surface
and is attached to two springs with spring
constants 28 N/m and 62 N/m that are on either side of the mass.


Find the frequency of oscillation. Answer
in units of Hz.

Homework Equations

(2pi sqrt(m/k))^-1

The Attempt at a Solution

subtract the constants from each other to find the coonstant of the system. use this in the equation above. I got about .322Hz is this right?

 

[OlderDan]

You need to rethink the combined effect of the two springs. At equilibrium, each spring is pulling the mass with the same amount of force. What happens to each of those forces when the mass is moved to one side?