Oscillations of a weighted ruler

[qazxsw11111]

Hi everyone. Can you imagine a metre rule attached to a tabletop and weights are attached at the other end? The ruler will sag. The ruler is then given a push to let it oscillate. However the weights fell off when it is oscillating. So what is the effect on period and amplitude?

I did:

Since w=sqrt of k/m, when m decreases w decreases.
w=2pi/t, thus t will increase.

However, although i cannot think of any equation that affects the amplitude (I think it is constant), but my answer script says that amplitude actually increased. Can anyone use equations to prove that to me?

Thank you!

 

[member 553083]

The equation that affects the amplitude is the equation of simple harmonic motion. This equation states that the amplitude of the oscillation is equal to the maximum displacement of the particle. Since the weights had fallen off, the maximum displacement will increase leading to an increase in the amplitude.