Question

In a certain engine a piston executes vertical SHM with amplitude 2 cm. A washer rests on the top of the piston. If the frequency of the piston is slowly increased, at what frequency will the washer no longer stay in contact with the piston? 

Answer 1

The maximum downward acceleration of the washer = g. If the piston accelerates downward greater than this, this washer will lose contact. The largest downward acceleration of the piston

= ω²A = ω² × 0.02 m/s².

The washer will just separate from the piston