An oscillating mass at the end of a spring is at a distance y from its equilibrium position given by
The constant k measures the stiffness of the spring.
(a) Find a time at which the mass is farthest from its equilibrium position. Find a time at which the mass is moving fastest. Find a time at which the mass is accelerating fastest.
(b) What is the period, T , of the oscillation?
(c) Find dT /dm. What does the sign of dT /dm tell you?