A block of mass M is in gravity-free space and touches two springs as shown. Initially the springs are at natural lengths. The block is shifted by λ₀/2 so that one spring is compressed and is released. The time period is:

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

On the side where the block compresses the spring K, angular frequency is √(K/M); on the side with spring 4K it is 2√(K/M). One full cycle contains two quarter-cycles of each side, so T=π/ω₁+π/ω₂=π√(M/K)+(π/2)√(M/K)=(3π/2)√(M/K). Correct answer: C.