Physlet Physics by Christian and Belloni: Problem 16.12

16.1: Representations of Simple Harmonic Motion
16.2: The Simple Pendulum and Spring Motion
16.3: Energy and Simple Harmonic Motion
16.4: Damped and Forced Motion
16.5: Fourier Series 1, Qualitative Features
16.6: Fourier Series 2, Quantitative Features

Problem 16.12: A block floating in water is displaced from equilibrium

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Two identical cubes (l = 10 cm) are floating in water (ρ = 1000 kg/m³). The one on the left is in equilibrium. The one on the right is initially displaced from equilibrium. Restart.

What is the condition for equilibrium?
For the oscillating cube, what is the net force acting on the cube?
For the oscillating cube, what is the period of oscillation?
Determine the mass of the cubes.

Physlets were developed at Davidson College and converted from Java to JavaScript using the SwingJS system developed at St. Olaf College.

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