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F = ma (Final Problems)
Simple Harmonic Motion
FMA-2024-20 · 2024 F = ma (AAPT)

2024 F = ma Exam — Question 20

Four massless rigid rods are connected into a quadrilateral by four hinges. The hinges have mass m, and allow the rods to freely rotate. A spring of spring constant k is connected across each of the diagonals, so that the springs are at their relaxed length when the rods form a square. m k m m k m Assume the springs do not interfere with each other. If the square is slightly compressed along one of its diagonals, its shape will oscillate over time. What is the period of these oscillations? r
Source: Question 20, 2024 F = ma Exam, © 2024 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.