Final answer:
The time required for crates to return to their initial positions depends on the mass and stiffness of the spring. Heavier crates on less stiff springs take the longest to return, while lighter crates on stiffer springs take the least amount of time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The time required for the crates to return to their initial positions depends on the mass and the stiffness of the spring. A stiffer spring will take less time to return to its initial position compared to a less stiff spring.
Similarly, a lighter crate will take less time to return to its initial position compared to a heavier crate.
So, the ranking of the time required for the crates to return to their initial positions from largest to smallest would be:
- Heavier crate on a less stiff spring
- Heavier crate on a stiffer spring
- Lighter crate on a less stiff spring
- Lighter crate on a stiffer spring