Problem Set 4

Due Thursday, October 4, in lecture

Problem 3-3 in the text (10 points)
Problem 3-9 in the text (20 points)
Hint: Consider the intervals of time, (0, t_o) and (t_o, t) separately, and find the general solution for each interval. You should have two free parameters for each solution. Solve for these parameters using the initial conditions at t=0, and the computed displacement and velocity at t=t_o. Note: although the force changes discontinuously, the displacement and velocity are continuous. You may work this problem taking the equilibrium position of the spring as x_o = 0.

Last update: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 5:35:39 PM.