Classical Mechanics (Kibble & Berkshire) · Problem 5.17
Energy conservation — T.W.B. Kibble, F.H. Berkshire
Physics — Mechanics · normal-modes
Problem
Two particles P and Q, each of mass m, are secured at the points of trisection of a light string that is stretched to tension T0 between two fixed supports a distance 3a apart. The particles undergo small transverse oscillations perpendicular to the equilibrium line of the string. Find the normal frequencies, the forms of the normal modes, and the general motion of this system. [Note that the forms of the modes could have been deduced from the symmetry of the system.] Is the general motion periodic?