1
$\begingroup$

enter image description here

I have such a scenario which I was given to find out the equation of motion of the mass. I drew the free body diagram of the mass, and realized the force towards the left side of the mass is essentially the given F in the picture and the left spring is almost nonexistent. Take $x$ to the left as positive. The free body diagram of the left spring is as such.

enter image description herewhere F is the same on both side according to hooke's law.

That is how the left side of the mass experience force F and the right side experience $-kx$ where $x$ is the distance from the static right dot (origin) to the mass. So, the equation of motion of the mass I found is:

$F-kx=ma$

However, I was given the equation otherwise:

$F-kx-kx=ma$

Tell me if I am wrong.

I learned that when 2 springs is connected in series, they experience the same force, and the effective k become: $\frac{k_1k_2}{k_1+k_2}$ and their $x$ added up to become: $F=\frac{k_1k_2}{k_1+k_2}(x_1+x_2)$ where $F=k_1x_1=k_2x_2$

So, when the springs are the same, the equation simplifies to $F=kx$ where 2 springs becomes 1 spring. I think this is what is happening here.

Am I correct? Or is the equation given to me is correct?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ Is the force being continuously applied? $\endgroup$
    – praeseo
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 7:14
  • $\begingroup$ the force is a sinusoidal function of time $\endgroup$
    – newbie
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 7:26
  • $\begingroup$ If the force on the left spring is known to be $F$, then only the right spring matters. You can check a few limiting cases: $F=0$, or $k_2=0$, or $k_1\rightarrow\infty$. $\endgroup$
    – leongz
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:11
  • $\begingroup$ I don't get the use of the limiting case since the 2 springs are identical. $\endgroup$
    – newbie
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:13
  • $\begingroup$ @newbie, just treat the spring constants to be independent and see what you get. $\endgroup$
    – leongz
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:19

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
0
$\begingroup$

Update due to my not looking at the diagram carefully enough and assuming that both springs had one end fixed.

If a force is applied to the left as shown in the diagram the displacement/velocity/acceleration of the mass is only determined by the value of the force the mass and the spring constant of the right hand mass.

Original answer which answers a different question.
Springs connected to two fixed ends and the mass displaced.

The following assumes that the two ends of the springs with the same spring constant not connected to the mass are fixed and the mass is moved to one side.

It is easier, although no essential, to think of the two springs to be unstretched when the mass is in its static equilibrium position and allowing the springs to be compressed as well as being stretched.

In your diagram if the mass is moved to the right the right hand spring becomes compressed and so exerts a force $F$ on the mass to the left.
The left hand spring is stretched to the right and so exerts a force $F$ on the mass to the left.

So the net force on the mass due to the two springs is $2F$ to the left.

A similar analysis can be done if both springs are stretched when the mass is in the equilibrium position.

Moving the mass to the right means the right hand spring pulls less to the right (equivalent to more pull to the left) and the left hand spring pulls more to the left.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
6
  • $\begingroup$ For your info, the springs are initially not stretched. Then, they are stretched to the left by F from the origin and F is a function of time. $\endgroup$
    – newbie
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:08
  • $\begingroup$ @newbie Your springs in series formula assumes that the springs are connected together with the mass at one of the ends. So both springs stretch by the same amount. This is not the case in this problem where you have one spring stretched and the other compressed. $\endgroup$
    – Farcher
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:12
  • $\begingroup$ Shouldn't they stretched by an equal amount in this case since the 2 springs are identical? How is one got stretched and another got compressed? $\endgroup$
    – newbie
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:15
  • $\begingroup$ @newbie Please read my corrected answer which agrees with your analysis. $\endgroup$
    – Farcher
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:34
  • $\begingroup$ So, the left spring basically disappears, leaving only the mass and the right spring with the same force from what you have written? So, my analysis is right and the equation that is given to me is wrong? $\endgroup$
    – newbie
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:48
0
$\begingroup$

Your free body diagram of left spring is wrong, the spring experiences force of $F+kx$ on both sides. The left spring will also be stretched by distance x.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ The springs are initially not stretched. F is the only force that stretches the 2 springs and the mass at the center moves along with those 2 springs. How is the force experienced by the left spring be more than F? $\endgroup$
    – newbie
    Commented Mar 2, 2017 at 8:04

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.