Physics question

[Eeezee]

The equilibriation configuration of 3 point masses are connected by springs of equal force onstant is a 45 degree right triangle.

a) Obtain the secular determinant for the mdoes of vibration in the plane and show by rearrangement of the columns that there is a triple root w=0
b) Reduce the determinant to one of third rank and obtain the nonvanishing frequency of free vibration

I did another similar problem but it was 2 masses connected in 1 dimension. I can't wrap my mind around a 2 dimensional problem like this for some reason. Anyone got any tips?

 

[Eeezee]

No one knows?

 

[soydios]

We haven't gotten there yet in Physics (probably won't for a while), but I do know that the general rule for multiple dimensions is to break the vectors up into their components (x- and y-components, in 2D).

 

[bonkers325]

this is physics, but not regular college physics. this falls under theory of vibrations, most likely. with that said, you're screwed.

 

[Eeezee]

Originally posted by: bonkers325
this is physics, but not regular college physics. this falls under theory of vibrations, most likely. with that said, you're screwed.

It's a problem in my mechanics review, so it's definitely not TOO complicated. I just can't wrap my head around the potential tensor in this case since it's 2-D. I'm very used to using the potential tensor for springs in 1-dimension, but not in 2-dimensions.