Shm

[tukeywilliam]

A block is hung on a spring, and the frequency [math] f [/math] of the oscillation of the system is measured. The block, a second identical block, and the spring are carried into space. The 2 blocks are attached to the ends of a spring, and the system is taken out into space on a space walk. The spring is extended, and the system is released to oscillate while floating in space. What is the frequency of oscillation for this system, in terms if [math] f [/math] I know the answer is [math]\sqrt{2}f [/math] . But how do we get this?

 

Thanks

[Meir Achuz]

In the cm of the two blocks, the center of the spring does not move.

This is the same as each block oscillating with a spring of length L/2,

which changes the effective k.