AP Physics 1 Question 254: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 254

9. A block with a mass of 4 kg is attached to a spring on the wall that oscillates back and forth with a frequency of 4 Hz and an amplitude of 3 m. What would the frequency be if the block were replaced by one with one-fourth the mass and the amplitude of the block is increased to 9 m ?

  • A. 4 Hz
  • B. 8 Hz
  • C. 12 Hz
  • D. 24 Hz

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The frequency of a spring-block simple harmonic oscillator is independent of the amplitude. The equation for the frequency of a spring-block simple harmonic oscillator is . The frequency is inversely proportional to the square root of the mass, so decreasing the mass of the block by a factor of 4 would increase the frequency by a factor of 2.