Math Problem Statement

You are handed a spring that is 0.25 m0.25 m long. You hang the spring from a hook on the ceiling and attach a 0.70 kg0.70 kg mass to the other end of the spring. The stretched spring is 0.37 m0.37 m. k=WΔLk=WΔL

What is the spring constant? 

A.32.8 Nm32.8 Nm

B.64.1 Nm64.1 Nm

C.57.2 Nm57.2 Nm

D.9.80 Nm9.80 Nm

Solution

To determine the spring constant kk, we can use Hooke's Law:

F=kΔLF = k \Delta L

Where:

  • FF is the force applied to the spring,
  • kk is the spring constant,
  • ΔL\Delta L is the change in length of the spring.

Step 1: Calculate the force FF

The force applied to the spring is the weight of the mass hanging from it, which can be calculated using:

F=mgF = mg

Where:

  • m=0.70kgm = 0.70 \, \text{kg} (mass),
  • g=9.8m/s2g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 (acceleration due to gravity).

F=0.70×9.8=6.86NF = 0.70 \times 9.8 = 6.86 \, \text{N}

Step 2: Calculate the change in length ΔL\Delta L

The change in length is the difference between the stretched length and the original length of the spring:

ΔL=0.37m0.25m=0.12m\Delta L = 0.37 \, \text{m} - 0.25 \, \text{m} = 0.12 \, \text{m}

Step 3: Calculate the spring constant kk

Using Hooke's Law, rearrange for kk:

k=FΔL=6.860.12=57.17N/mk = \frac{F}{\Delta L} = \frac{6.86}{0.12} = 57.17 \, \text{N/m}

Step 4: Round the value

After rounding, we get k57.2N/mk \approx 57.2 \, \text{N/m}.

Thus, the correct answer is:

C. 57.2 N/m

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How does increasing mass affect the stretch of the spring?
  2. What is Hooke's Law, and how does it apply to real-world scenarios?
  3. How would the spring constant change if the mass were doubled?
  4. What factors can affect the accuracy of calculating the spring constant in a real experiment?
  5. How can you measure the spring constant experimentally?

Tip: Always ensure you use consistent units when working with formulas involving force, length, and mass.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Hooke's Law
Elasticity

Formulas

Hooke's Law: F = kΔL
Weight: F = mg

Theorems

Hooke's Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12