Question

A block of mass m is attached to one end of a mass less spring which is suspended vertically from a fixed point. The mass is held in had so that the spring is neither stretched nor compressed. Suddenly the support of the hand is removed. The lowest position attained by the mass during oscillation is 4 cm below the point, where is was held in hand. The amplitude of the oscillation is

• A. 1 cm
• B. 2 cm
• C. 3 cm
• D. 4 cm

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

2 cm

Answer 2

The mass m will be oscillating about a position in between the lowest position and the position where it was half in hand therefore the lowest position and the position of hand will be extreme position for the oscillation of mass m.

The half of this distance will be amplitude of oscillation.

Hence, the amplitude of the oscillation is

$A = \frac{4cm}{2} = 2\mspace{6mu} cm$