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title: "Block \\( 1 \\) of mass \\( m_1 \\) and Block \\( 2 \\) of mass \\( m_2 = 2 m_1 \\) are each attached to identical horizontal springs. Each block is displaced from equilibrium by an unknown amount and the blocks are released from rest simultaneously, undergoing simple harmonic motion. A student claims that Block \\( 1 \\) will make its first return to its equilibrium position before Block \\( 2 \\) first returns to its equilibrium position. Is this claim correct? Why or why not?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/88467/"
date_modified: "2025-04-19T04:03:10+00:00"
---

# Block \( 1 \) of mass \( m_1 \) and Block \( 2 \) of mass \( m_2 = 2 m_1 \) are each attached to identical horizontal springs. Each block is displaced from equilibrium by an unknown amount and the blocks are released from rest simultaneously, undergoing simple harmonic motion. A student claims that Block \( 1 \) will make its first return to its equilibrium position before Block \( 2 \) first returns to its equilibrium position. Is this claim correct? Why or why not?

Block \( 1 \) of mass \( m_1 \) and Block \( 2 \) of mass \( m_2 = 2 m_1 \) are each attached to identical horizontal springs. Each block is displaced from equilibrium by an unknown amount and the blocks are released from rest simultaneously, undergoing simple harmonic motion. A student claims that Block \( 1 \) will make its first return to its equilibrium position before Block \( 2 \) first returns to its equilibrium position. Is this claim correct? Why or why not?

- **A.** Yes, because the maximum force exerted by the spring on Block \( 1 \) is less than that exerted on Block \( 2 \).
- **B.** Yes, because the period of oscillation for Block \( 1 \) is less than that of Block \( 2 \).
- **C.** No, because the initial displacements of the blocks are unknown.
- **D.** No, because the springs are identical.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/88467/*