As shown in the figure, a spring is kept in a stretched position with some extension by holding the masses 1kg and 0.2kg with a separation more than spring natural length and then released. Assuming the horizontal surface to be frictionless, the angular frequency (in SI unit) of the system is ___.
(Given k=150N/m)
__
A
27
B
20
C
5
D
30
Answer
Correct answer:D
Step-by-step solution
Standard Method
Given:m1=1kg, m2=0.2kg, and k=150N/m on a frictionless horizontal surface.
Find: The angular frequency of oscillation of the two-mass spring system.
For two masses connected by a spring on a frictionless surface, use the reduced mass:
μ=m1+m2m1m2
Then the angular frequency of relative oscillation is
ω=μk
Substitute the given values:
μ=1+0.2(1)(0.2)=1.20.2=61kg
Now,
ω=1/6150=900=30
Equivalently,
ω=m1m2k(m1+m2)=0.2150×1.2=900=30
Therefore, the angular frequency of the system is 30 in SI units, so the correct option is D.
The solution also shows an intermediate statement claiming option B, but the worked calculation concludes 30, so the final derived answer is taken as D.
Use the standard two-mass spring formula
Given:m1=1kg, m2=0.2kg, k=150N/m.
Find: The system angular frequency.
A direct standard result for two masses connected by a spring is
ω=m1m2k(m1+m2)
Using the values,
ω=(1)(0.2)150(1+0.2)ω=0.2150×1.2=900=30
Therefore, the correct option is D.
Common mistakes
Using m1+m2 directly as the effective mass is incorrect for the relative oscillation of two masses connected by a spring. The correct effective mass is the reduced massμ=m1+m2m1m2.
Confusing the motion of the centre of mass with the oscillation of the separation leads to a wrong angular frequency. The spring controls relative motion, so use the frequency for relative oscillation.
Taking the listed option B only from the heading without checking the actual working is a mistake. The detailed calculation in the solution gives ω=30, so the worked result must be trusted over the mislabeled option line.
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