A mass
m is connected to two zero-length springs of spring constants
k1 and
k2. The other ends of the springs are attached to frictionless bearings mounted on two parallel horizontal poles, with the upper pole a vertical distance
L directly above the lower pole. Each bearing slides freely along its own pole. The mass swings in a vertical circle of radius
R in a plane perpendicular to both poles. Assume the diameters of the poles and the rest lengths of the springs are negligible compared to
R and
L. What is the vertical distance
h between the upper pole and the center of the circular orbit?