Oscillating Mass between Two Springs

[kppc1407]

Homework Statement

A block on a frictionless table is connected to two springs having spring constants k₁ and k₂. Show that the block's oscillation frequency is given by f = (f₁² + f₂²)^.5 where f₁ and f₂ are the frequencies at which it would oscillate if attached to spring 1 or spring 2 alone.

Homework Equations

f = 1/T
T = 2pi(m/k)^.5

The Attempt at a Solution

I have substituted the period into the frequency and I am stuck. It looks like they found f₁ and f₂ alone and put them into the Pythagorean theorem, but I do not know how to relate them.

 

[xcvxcvvc]

Homework Statement

A block on a frictionless table is connected to two springs having spring constants k₁ and k₂. Show that the block's oscillation frequency is given by f = (f₁² + f₂²)^.5 where f₁ and f₂ are the frequencies at which it would oscillate if attached to spring 1 or spring 2 alone.

Homework Equations

f = 1/T
T = 2pi(m/k)^.5

The Attempt at a Solution

I have substituted the period into the frequency and I am stuck. It looks like they found f₁ and f₂ alone and put them into the Pythagorean theorem, but I do not know how to relate them.

I do not see any relation to Pythagorean theorem. Notice that if you were to latch two springs onto a mass, you could model the same motion with one spring with a constant equal to the sum of the two springs. Knowing this, calculate the frequency of all three configurations(spring 1, spring 2, and spring 1 & 2 combined). Next, substitute your answer for spring 1 and spring 2 into that equation and see if you get the same answer you derived for spring 1 & 2 combined.

 

[kppc1407]

When I find the frequencies of the springs, I do not understand how to relate them.

 

[xcvxcvvc]

When I find the frequencies of the springs, I do not understand how to relate them.

I told you how.

Calculate frequency 1 with k = k1, frequency 2 with k = k2, and f with k = k1 + k2.

f_1 = \frac{1}{2\pi} \sqrt{\frac{k_1}{m}}
f_2 = \frac{1}{2\pi} \sqrt{\frac{k_2}{m}}
f = \frac{1}{2\pi} \sqrt{\frac{k_1 + k_2}{m}} because k = k_1 + k_2 and nothing else changes.

Next, plug f_1 and f_2 into f=\sqrt{f_1^2+f_2^2} to see if you get the same expression as above for f.
(you do)

 

[kppc1407]

Oh, I was going a different route using a different equation making it more complicated. Thank you for your help.