sillybean
Feb17-08, 09:18 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Two springs, with force constants k1 and k2, are connected in series, as shown in the figure
http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1051111/4/Walker.7.68.jpg
How much work is required to stretch this system a distance x from the equilibrium position?
2. Relevant equations
W=1/2kx^2
3. The attempt at a solution
I have no idea how to derive this. I mean I've looked on the wikipedia article on hooke's law and figured that I just change the equation to W=1/2 (1/k1 + 1/k2)x^2
I'm guessing the problem with this is that the distances that the two stretch are not equal because of the different spring constants but I don't know how to go about showing this in an equation.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
Two springs, with force constants k1 and k2, are connected in series, as shown in the figure
http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1051111/4/Walker.7.68.jpg
How much work is required to stretch this system a distance x from the equilibrium position?
2. Relevant equations
W=1/2kx^2
3. The attempt at a solution
I have no idea how to derive this. I mean I've looked on the wikipedia article on hooke's law and figured that I just change the equation to W=1/2 (1/k1 + 1/k2)x^2
I'm guessing the problem with this is that the distances that the two stretch are not equal because of the different spring constants but I don't know how to go about showing this in an equation.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution