Question

9.58 A spring of equilibrium length L1 and spring constant k1 hangs from the ceiling. Mass m1 is suspended from its lower end. Then a second spring with equilibrium length L2 and spring constant k2 is hung from the bottom of m1. Mass m2 is suspended from this second spring. How far is m2 below the ceiling

Answer 1

Answer:

The distance of m2 from the ceiling is L1 +L2 + m1g/k1 + m2g/k1 + m2g/k2.

See attachment below for full solution

Explanation:

This is so because the the attached mass m1 on the spring causes the first spring to stretch by a distance of m1g/k1 (hookes law). This plus the equilibrium lengtb of the spring gives the position of the mass m1 from the ceiling. The second mass mass m2 causes both springs 1 and 2 to stretch by an amout proportional to its weight just like above. The respective stretchings are m2g/k1 for spring 1 and m2g/k2 for spring 2. These plus the position of m1 and the equilibrium length of spring 2 L2 gives the distance of L2 from the ceiling.