Related Formula
Springs in parallel:
kₚ = k₁ + k₂$k_p = k_1 + k_2$
Springs in series:
(1)/(kₛ) = (1)/(kₚ) + (1)/(k₃)$$\frac{1}{k_s} = \frac{1}{k_p} + \frac{1}{k_3}$$
Time period:
T = 2π Mkeq$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{M}{k_{eq}}}$$
Core Logic
Evaluate the equivalent spring constant of the given setup by first resolving the parallel configuration, then the series configuration.
Step 1: Equivalent Spring Constant
Based on the standard layout of the problem (as implied by the solution text), let's assume one section is 2k$2k$ and k$k$ in parallel... Wait, the solution implies (2k · k)/(3k) + k$\frac{2k \cdot k}{3k} + k$, which represents a series combination of 2k$2k$ and k$k$, followed by a parallel combination with another k$k$. Let's trust the official PDF's algebraic step: keq = (2k · k)/(3k) + k$k_{eq} = \frac{2k \cdot k}{3k} + k$.
This evaluates to:
keq = (2k)/(3) + k = (5k)/(3)$$k_{eq} = \frac{2k}{3} + k = \frac{5k}{3}$$
Step 2: Time Period Calculation
T = 2π Mkeq$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{M}{k_{eq}}}$$
T = 2π √((M)/(5k/3)) = 2π √((3M)/(5k))$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{M}{5k/3}} = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{3M}{5k}}$$
Step 3: Matching the Format
Bring the 2 inside the square root as 4:
T = π √((4 × 3M)/(5k)) = π √((12M)/(5k))$$T = \pi \sqrt{\frac{4 \times 3M}{5k}} = \pi \sqrt{\frac{12M}{5k}}$$
Comparing with π √((α M)/(5k))$\pi \sqrt{\frac{\alpha M}{5k}}$:
α = 12$\alpha = 12$
Pattern Recognition
Whenever an external coefficient like 2 (from 2π$2\pi$) is pushed inside the square root to match a format, it squares. Don't forget 2 → 4$2 \to 4$, turning 3M$3M$ into 12M$12M$.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Oscillations