Make a graph showing motions of a loosely-coupled system

This project must be done by individuals.

In this class, we examined the behavior of a pair of oscillating boxes which are connected by a series of progressively stronger springs. At the end of that lecture, a challenge was presented: can you make a graph showing the positions of the two boxes as a function of time? Your job here -- do it!

1. Use the example in that lecture, and plug in the values for masses and spring constants given in the Optional extra credit section at the end. Write down the expressions for normal coordinates s₁(t) and s₂(t).
2. Now solve for the positions of each block as a function of time x₁(t) and x₂(t).
3. Make a graph of these positions, following the guidelines given on the webpage.

Create a PDF of your graph, and submit to to the instructor via E-mail.

Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.