When a 0.20-kg block is suspended from a vertically hanging spring, it stretches the spring from its original length of 0.040 m to 0.045 m. The same block is attached to the same spring and placed on a horizontal, frictionless surface as shown. The block is then pulled so that the spring stretches to a total length of 0.15 m. The block is released at time t = 0 s and undergoes simple harmonic motion.
-Complete the following statement: In order to increase the frequency of the motion, one would have to
A)reduce the spring constant.
B)decrease the mass of the block on the end of the spring.
C)increase the length of the spring.
D)reduce the distance that the spring is initially stretched.
E)increase the distance that the spring is initially stretched.

Question

When a 0.20-kg block is suspended from a vertically hanging spring, it stretches the spring from its original length of 0.040 m to 0.045 m. The same block is attached to the same spring and placed on a horizontal, frictionless surface as shown. The block is then pulled so that the spring stretches to a total length of 0.15 m. The block is released at time t = 0 s and undergoes simple harmonic motion. 
-Complete the following statement: In order to increase the frequency of the motion, one would have to
A)reduce the spring constant. 
B)decrease the mass of the block on the end of the spring. 
C)increase the length of the spring. 
D)reduce the distance that the spring is initially stretched. 
E)increase the distance that the spring is initially stretched.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of the motion is determined by the spring constant and the mass of the block on the end of the spring. Increasing the spring constant or decreasing the mass will increase the frequency. Therefore, choice B is the best answer as reducing the mass of the block on the end of the spring will increase the frequency of the motion.

When a 020-Kg Block Is Suspended from a Vertically Hanging Spring, It