Physics Question & Answer Key

Question:

Two identical ice skaters are holding onto opposite ends of a very long spring with 

a spring constant of 650 N/m. While spinning in a circle, the skaters frequency of 

revolution is measured to be 0.85 Hz. Calculate the mass of the skaters. 


Answer:

f = (1/2 π)(√ k/m)

0.85 = (1/2 π)(√ 650/m)  

m = 22.8 kg 

22.8 x 2 = 45.6 kg  (the mass need to double since circular motion is the resultant 

of two perpendicular SHM with the same frequency and amplitude and phase 

difference of π/2.)