The points \(A\) and \(B\) are a distance 1.2 m apart on a smooth horizontal surface. A particle \(P\) of mass \(\frac { 2 } { 3 } \mathrm {~kg}\) is attached to one end of a light spring of natural length 0.6 m and modulus of elasticity 10 N . The other end of the spring is attached to the point \(A\). A second light spring, of natural length 0.4 m and modulus of elasticity 20 N , has one end attached to \(P\) and the other end attached to \(B\).
- Show that when \(P\) is in equilibrium \(A P = 0.75 \mathrm {~m}\).
The particle \(P\) is displaced by 0.05 m from the equilibrium position towards \(A\) and then released from rest. - Show that \(P\) performs simple harmonic motion and state the period of the motion.
- Find the speed of \(P\) when it passes through the equilibrium position.
- Find the speed of \(P\) when its acceleration is equal to half of its maximum value.