Find Stretch of Each Spring After Cutting 100-Coil Spring

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the stretching of springs, specifically a 100-coil spring that is cut into two 50-coil springs. The original poster describes the initial stretch of the spring when a mass is attached and seeks to understand how the stretch changes when the spring is divided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the number of coils and the stretch of the spring, with some attempting to apply formulas related to spring force and mass. Questions arise about how to approach the problem without knowing the mass involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the mechanics of the problem, while others express uncertainty regarding the application of concepts. There is an indication that different interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the effects of cutting the spring and the distribution of force.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of information about the mass attached to the spring, which is central to solving the problem. The original poster's findings suggest a numerical answer, but the underlying concepts remain a topic of inquiry.

huskydc
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An object is attached to the lower end of a 100-coil spring that is hanging from the ceiling. The string stretches by 0.155 m. The spring is then cut into two identical springs of 50 coils each. As the drawing shows, each spring is attached between the ceiling and the object. By how much does each spring stretch?
 
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Have any thoughts?
 
well, since the mass is carried by two springs, each spring carries half the mass...but that's all i know... =(
 
100:0.115 = 50:x

x = .115/2
 
sorry plucker, but that's not the right answer. again, i drew another FBD,
for one spring: F(spring) = mg

k = mg/x(1)

for 2 springs: 2F(spring) =mg
2 k x(2) =mg

but with only x(1) known, and no mass, how should i approach this?


...ok, after some tries..
i somehow found the right answer as .0387. but does anyone want to explain the concepts behind it?
 
Last edited:

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