FYKOS Year 29 Series 3 Problem 3 — will it jump? · FYKOS 29 #29.3.3
Physics · mechanics
Problem
Consider a massless spring with spring constant k. Weights are attached to both ends with masses m, and Mrespectively. This system is placed on a horizontal surface so that weight of mass Mlies on the surface and the spring with the second weight points up. The system is in equilibrium (i.e. top weight does not oscillate) and length of the spring in this state is l. How much do we have to compress the spring so that the weight of mass M jumps up when it is released? Consider only vertical motion.