In: Physics
Two uniform solid spheres are joined by a light rigid rod to form a dumbbell. The spheres are identical, and each has mass M/2. One end of a spring is attached to the center of the rod, the spring is stretched perpendicular to the rod, and the other end of the spring is attached to a wall. The dumbbell rests on a horizontal surface. Friction between the surface and the spheres prevents slipping. The system is released from rest.
a) Show that as the dumbbell rolls, its center of mass executes simple harmonic motion.
b) Find the period of the oscillations.