Classical Mechanics - Oscillatory Motion

Two identical springs with spring constant k are connected to identical masses of mass M, as shown in the figures. The ratio of the period for the springs connected in parallel (Fig. 1) to the period for the springs connected in series (Fig.2) is

A. ½
B. 1/√2
C. 1
D. √2
E. 2

(GR0177 #90)

Solution:

Spring constants:

Series, k_s = ½ k
Parallel, k_p = 2k

Period:




Answer: A