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polyperson
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To determine the spring constant, k, in a static experiment (i.e. suspending weights from a spring) we use the following expression;
k = (mass x gravity) / extension
But what if I was on the Moon (where gravity is 1/6 that of Earth) or in part of space where there is zero gravity? The spring is no less stiff when an Astronaut attempts to push or pull it, yet k has a much lower value.
Is it true that only the value of k derived from a horizontal experiment with mechanical loading gives us the true spring constant?
Thanks for your help
k = (mass x gravity) / extension
But what if I was on the Moon (where gravity is 1/6 that of Earth) or in part of space where there is zero gravity? The spring is no less stiff when an Astronaut attempts to push or pull it, yet k has a much lower value.
Is it true that only the value of k derived from a horizontal experiment with mechanical loading gives us the true spring constant?
Thanks for your help
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