Simple Harmonic motion with a compound mass spring system

[striker300]

Homework Statement

For my problem, I have two springs that have the same length, but different masses and spring constants. Both springs are secured at one end to a holder and at the other ends are connected to a single mass.

My question is how do I find the angular velocity? Since the equation for angular velocity is...

omega=(k/m)^(1/2)

My instincts are telling me to just imagine the two springs as one whole spring and combine their mass and spring constant up. Am I on the right track here or would this not be plausable?

Homework Equations

using the angular velocity formula

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[diazona]

If the two springs are acting in the same direction, then yes, you can combine the two into one "effective spring."

By the way, that's angular frequency, not angular velocity.

 

[striker300]

Thank you for the wisdom and the correction of terminology :D