A \(6.0-\mathrm{kg}\) block free to slide on a horizontal surface is anchored to two facing walls by springs (Figure P15.45). Both springs are initially at their relaxed length. The block is then displaced \(20 \mathrm{~mm}\) to the right and released.

(a) What is the effective spring constant of the system?

(b) What is the equation for the position of the block as a function of time, assuming \(+x\) to be to the right? Ignore friction.

Data from Figure P15.45

k = 100 N/m wwwwww 6.0 kg k = 200 N/m wwwwww