Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 5.16

Energy conservation — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire

Physics — Mechanics · normal-modes

Problem

A particle

P

of mass

3m

is suspended from a fixed point

O

by a light linear spring with strength

\alpha

. A second particle

Q

of mass

2m

is in turn suspended from

P

by a second spring of the same strength. The system moves in the vertical straight line through

O

. Find the normal frequencies and the form of the normal modes for this system. Write down the form of the general motion.