Physics (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118486897
ISBN 13: 978-1-11848-689-4

Chapter 10 - Simple Harmonic Motion and Elasticity - Check Your Understanding - Page 254: 2

Answer

Both the box will experience the same net force.

Work Step by Step

Assume $k$ is the spring constant of the springs. Consider the first box. If you displace it to the right by a small displacement x, both the springs get elongated and will try to move the block to the left by equal force $kx$ since all the springs are identical. $$\therefore |F_1| = kx+kx=2kx$$ Now consider the second box. If you displace it to the right by a small displacement x, the spring on the left will get elongated and apply a force on the box given by $kx$ to the left. The spring on the right will get compressed and apply a force $kx$ again to the left. $$\therefore |F_2| = kx+kx = 2kx$$ Both $F_1$ and $F_2$ are acting to the left direction. $$\therefore F_1 = F_2$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.