What is the Period of Oscillation for a Spring Cut to One-Third Its Length?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the period of oscillation for a spring cut to one-third of its original length. The stiffness of the new spring is determined to be k/n, where k is the original stiffness and n represents the ratio of the new length to the original length. The correct formula for the period of oscillation is T = 2π√((1-n)m/k), where m is the mass attached to the spring. The confusion regarding imaginary numbers arises from misinterpretation of the parameters involved in the calculation.

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Homework Statement
A non-deformed spring whose ends are fixed has a stiffness
x = 13 N/m. A small body of mass m = 25 g is attached at the point
removed from one of the ends by n = 1/3 of the spring's length. Neg-
lecting the mass of the spring, find the period of small longitudinal
oscillations of the body. The force of gravity is assumed to be absent.
Relevant Equations
All below.
I am not sure if i get the problem, but if i understand, we want to know the period of oscillations on a spring with length l/3.

If is this the right interpretation, i would say that the stiffness of the new the spring is k/n, where k is the stiffness of the former spring.
This based on the knowing that the displacement of the points of the spring is proportional to the distance of the end, so to one force :

f = f, kx = k'xn, k' = k/n

T = 2π√(n*m/k)
The answer is, actually
T = 2π√(n*(1-n)m/k)
Where am i wrong?

1594524961396.png
 
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The answer you quoted is an imaginary number because ##\eta-1=-2/3## so I doubt it.
 
anuttarasammyak said:
The answer you show is an imaginary number so I doubt it.
Oh i made a confusion, actually is 1 - n instead n - 1
 
LCSphysicist said:
we want to know the period of oscillations on a spring with length l/3.
What about the other 2/3 of the spring?
 
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