- Two points \(A\) and \(B\) are 6 m apart on a smooth horizontal surface.
A light elastic string of natural length 2 m and modulus of elasticity 20 N , has one end attached to the point \(A\).
A second light elastic string of natural length 2 m and modulus of elasticity 50 N , has one end attached to the point \(B\).
A particle \(P\) of mass 3.5 kg is attached to the free end of each string.
The particle \(P\) is held at the point on \(A B\) which is 2 m from \(B\) and then released from rest.
In the subsequent motion both strings remain taut.
- Show that \(P\) moves with simple harmonic motion about its equilibrium position.
- Find the maximum speed of \(P\).
- Find the length of time within each oscillation for which \(P\) is closer to \(A\) than to \(B\).