Two discs connected by a stiff spring

[alindao]

two identical discs are connected by a stiff spring. if you push down on the top disc then release, will the system be capable of leaving the ground? if so, how high? what exactly is the spring doing (in terms of pushing or pulling on either disc) during the motion? what force(s) cause the system to leave the ground- spring force or ground normal force?

 

[Nugatory]

two identical discs are connected by a stiff spring. if you push down on the top disc then release, will the system be capable of leaving the ground? if so, how high? what exactly is the spring doing (in terms of pushing or pulling on either disc) during the motion? what force(s) cause the system to leave the ground- spring force or ground normal force?

This system is a harmonic oscillator. Calculate the tension in the spring as a function of the separation between the two disks. What happens if the tension of the spring exceeds the gravitational force?

 

[berkeman]

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