Two bars connected by a weightless spring of stiffness `ϰ` and length (in the non-deformed state) `l_0` rest on a horizontal plane. A constant horizontal force F starts acting on one of the bars as shown in figure. Find the maximum and minimum distances between the bars during the subsequent motion of the system, if the masses of the bars are:
(a) equal:
(b) equal to `m_1` and `m_2`, and the force F is applied to the bar of mass `m_2`.

Answer

`[l_(max)l_(0)+F//k,l_(min)=l_(0),l_(max)=l_(0)+2m_(1)F//k(m_(1)+m_(2))]`