Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A body on a spring moves along a line with the acceleration (SI units), where is its position. It is released from rest at .
When depends on , write , separate the variables and integrate:
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Plan. The acceleration depends on , not : use .
Step 1. Integrate. gives , so .
Step 2. At x = 0. , so .
Step 3. At x = 1 m. , so .
Answer: (a) . (b) .
Check. At , : the body turns round at both ends, as a spring does.
Watch out. fails here: the acceleration changes all the time. This is simple harmonic motion, which you will meet again in Oscillations.
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