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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

A block of mass m is connected to a spring (spring constant k, initially relaxed) and rests on a smooth horizontal surface. Another block of mass m hangs vertically, connected to the first block via a string over a pulley. The system is released from rest and the string is simultaneously cut. Find the value of n if the maximum extension in the spring during the subsequent motion is m*n*g/k.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Correct answer: 2

Solution

This problem depends on the exact arrangement shown in the figure. The most common JEE version: a spring is attached between the wall and mass m on a frictionless surface; mass m also hangs vertically via a string over a pulley. At equilibrium (before release), the spring is compressed/extended by mg/k due to the hanging weight. When the string is cut simultaneously with release, the horizontal mass oscillates about the new equilibrium (spring natural length). If the spring was initially extended by mg/k (equilibrium condition), the block undergoes SHM with amplitude mg/k about the natural length, so maximum extension = 2mg/k (if initial extension was mg/k and block starts from rest at equilibrium of original system). Thus n=2.

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