How Do You Solve Transverse Oscillations with Newton's Second Law?

[descendency]

Homework Statement

http://books.google.com/books?id=uA...ts=4tThicDJOS&sig=d7POqmkxlKMhS72_Rv7oTpMko1o

Problem 5.17.

Homework Equations

Newton's second Law (F = ma)

The Attempt at a Solution

I think I can solve the problem, I just can't visualize the system. Would someone draw a picture for me?

The next step is to write out Newton's laws for the two masses (m * a = sum of forces) and solve the simultaneous second order ODEs.

To determine if it is periodic, I simply take the ratio of the two periods. If there is an integer multiple between the two, then it is period.

 

[olgranpappy]

Homework Statement

http://books.google.com/books?id=uA...ts=4tThicDJOS&sig=d7POqmkxlKMhS72_Rv7oTpMko1o

Problem 5.17.

Homework Equations

Newton's second Law (F = ma)

The Attempt at a Solution

I think I can solve the problem, I just can't visualize the system.

|----------m----------m----------|

The "|" symbold is the left "fixed support" then (a third of the way along the spring) there is a mass then (another third of the way along the spring) there is another mass then (another third of the way) there is the right "fixed support".

The tension in the spring in the equilibrium state (as drawn) in $T_0$.

"Transverse" oscillations means the masses go "up and down" not "side to side".