Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 5.8
Energy conservation — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire
Physics — Mechanics · free-linear-oscillations
Problem
A block of mass M is connected to a second block of mass m by a linear spring of natural length 8a. When the system is in equilibrium with the first block on the floor, and with the spring and second block vertically above it, the length of the spring is 7a. The upper block is then pressed down until the spring has half its natural length and is then released from rest. Show that the lower block will leave the floor if M<2m. For the case in which M=3m/2, find when the lower block leaves the floor.