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If the pendulums were free & either one were displaced a small distance $x$, the restoring force would be $m{\omega_0}^2 x$. But in the present situation the coupling spring is stretched a distance $2x$ & exerts a restoring force of $2kx$, $k$ being the spring constant. Thus the equation of motion is:

$$ m\dfrac{{d^2}x}{d{t^2}} + m{\omega_0}^2 x + 2kx = 0.$$

Now, the pendulums are coupled. Then why does the equation contain the term $m{\omega_0}^2x$ which is meant for uncoupled condition i.e. when each pendulum is free?

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    $\begingroup$ Maybe you should include a picture or explain how everything is coupled, because it's hard to answer this right now. $\endgroup$
    – Javier
    Feb 9, 2015 at 19:26
  • $\begingroup$ @Javier Badia: Two vertical simple pendulums whose bobs are attached with a spring are stretched in opposite directions initially. $\endgroup$
    – user36790
    Feb 10, 2015 at 2:52

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Because if the coupling is not there it still will behave like $$ m \frac{{\rm d}^2x}{{\rm d}t^2} + m \omega_0^2 x = 0$$

The coupling just acts as an additional effect of $k (2 x)$ magnitude.

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  • $\begingroup$ Yes, it is an external force applied to the pendulum. Without $2kx$, which can be switched on and off, the term $m\omega_0^2x$ is an external force acting permanently. $\endgroup$
    – Vladimir Kalitvianski
    Feb 9, 2015 at 21:47
  • $\begingroup$ @ja72: Sir, the two pendulums are stretched in the opposite directions. So, on one pendulum, the restoring force would be $kx$; and the restoring force on the other side is $-kx$. Then how can it be $2kx$?? $\endgroup$
    – user36790
    Feb 10, 2015 at 4:22
  • $\begingroup$ The only possible coupled motion is when one displaces $+x$ the other one $-x$. The spring length is thus $(+x)-(-x)=2x$ $\endgroup$
    – John Alexiou
    Feb 10, 2015 at 13:27

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