Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematical-methods-ii-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2017/9/d/solution

With zero initial velocities, choosing the initial displacement proportional to one eigenvector excites only its normal mode. Suitable ratios are
The overall scale must remain small compared with . Release each configuration from rest; its subsequent vector is its initial displacement multiplied by . The middle bob is stationary in the second mode, while it moves oppositely with twice either outer amplitude in the third.

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