Why is the ratio of displacements in springs different than expected?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a block attached to two springs with different spring constants, exploring the ratio of displacements when the block is displaced and released. The subject area pertains to mechanics, specifically the behavior of springs and energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply energy conservation to find the ratio of displacements but arrives at an unexpected result. Some participants question the interpretation of the energy conservation equation and the setup of the system.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the application of energy conservation, with one providing a hint about considering the block and supports as a system during different displacements. There is no explicit consensus yet, as the original poster expresses confusion about the expected outcome.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's calculations suggest a misunderstanding of the system's dynamics, and there is a need for clarification on how to correctly apply the principles of energy conservation in this context.

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Homework Statement


A block (B) is attached to two unstretched springs S1 and S2 with spring constants k and 4k, respectively (see figure I). The other ends are attached to identical supports M1 and M2 not attached to the walls. The springs and supports have negligible mass. There is no friction anywhere. The block B is displaced towards wall 1 by a small distance x (figure II) and released. The block returns and moves a maximum distance y towards wall 2. Displacements x and y are measured with respect to the equilibrium position of the block B. The ratio y/x is

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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't really know how to do this, but here's what I know:
From energy conservation, 1/2 k x2 + 1/2 (4k) x2 = 1/2 k y2 + 1/2 (4k) y2
So, I get y=x.
Which isn't the answer. The answer is (C).
I don't understand why.
 
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What's (C) mean?
 
Oh sorry, I meant the answer is 1/2
 
Hint : Energy conservation is the correct method to use here. Application, though, is wrong.

When you move B x to the right, consider M2 and B to be one system(Why?).
Similarly, when B moves y to the left, consider M1 and B to be one system(Why?).

The reasoning for this can be obtained from diagram II.

Hope this helps,
Qwertywerty.
 

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