alleryStart learning →Which change would increase the maximum speed reached by a mass oscillating on a spring?
APulling it further aside before release
BAdding extra mass to the moving block
CFitting a spring with a smaller force constant
DLetting it start from the equilibrium point
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Pulling it further aside before release
1. Maximum speed for a mass on a spring is v_max = sqrt(k/m) X.
2. It rises in direct proportion to the amplitude X, so releasing from further out raises it.
3. It falls as mass rises, since m sits under the square root in the denominator, so extra mass slows the peak.
4. It rises with the force constant k, so a weaker spring lowers rather than raises the peak speed.
5. Starting at equilibrium with no push would give no oscillation at all.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Oscillatory Motion and Waves", section 16.5 Energy and the Simple Harmonic Oscillator_
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