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Oscillations

# When four similar springs are connected in series to four non identical masses with three of the masses in between the three springs and the other at the end:

a.       There is only one natural frequency b.      There are four natural frequencies  c.       There can be several natural frequencies d.      None of the above
Can you answer this question?

This is a special case of SHM as there are 4 masses and 4 springs and they produce four resonant frequencies.
This case is different from one mass & several springs or several masses connected to one spring.
In the physical world, real systems have several springs & several masses in between the springs.
These are called higher order systems and have several natural frequencies.
Examples are a motor car, a building structure , bridge, rockets, aeroplanes etc.
In electron is too there are several induction, capacitor systems seperated by resistors and they form higher order filters (several natural frequencies).
The responses of these systems are found using differential equations.
Other ostracizes, flight of aeroplane etc.
Hence b is the correct answer.
answered Dec 11, 2013 by