2.I.9C
Part II, 2006
Two point masses, each of mass , are constrained to lie on a straight line and are connected to each other by a spring of force constant . The left-hand mass is also connected to a wall on the left by a spring of force constant . The right-hand mass is similarly connected to a wall on the right, by a spring of force constant , so that the potential energy is
where is the distance from equilibrium of the mass. Derive the equations of motion. Find the frequencies of the normal modes.