What is the spring stiffness?

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario in which a rock is swung in a circle using a long spring in outer space. The spring exerts a constant force of 720 N and the mass of the rock is 4 kg. The speed of the rock is found to be 32.8 m/s. In the second part of the conversation, the relaxed length of the spring is mentioned to be 5.7 m and the concept of Hooke's law is brought up to determine the stiffness of the spring. The stiffness, or spring constant, is defined as the force per unit length and is represented by the variable K.
  • #1
ohheytai
85
0
what is the spring stiffness?!??!

In outer space a rock of mass 4 kg is attached to a long spring and swung at constant speed in a circle of radius 6 m. The spring exerts a force of constant magnitude 720 N. What is the speed of the rock?

i found the speed it is 32.8 m/s

part 2:
The relaxed length of the spring is 5.7 m. What is the stiffness of this spring?

thats what i have no idea about could someone help lead me in the direction of solving it or show me how? please and thanks!



Homework Equations


i used F=mv^2/r to get speed
 
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  • #2


Hooke's law:
F=-Kx

x is the change in length of the spring due to a force F.
K is the the spring constant or "stiffness"
 
  • #3


thanks!
 
  • #4


what are you talking about it changes from 6m to 5.7m, there is no material in the world with no elasticity.
 
  • #5

and F=-kx to find stiffness

The spring stiffness, also known as the spring constant, is a measure of how much force is required to stretch or compress a spring by a certain distance. It is represented by the variable k and has units of Newtons per meter (N/m). It is a characteristic property of a spring and is dependent on the material and design of the spring. The higher the spring stiffness, the harder it is to stretch or compress the spring.

To solve for the stiffness in this scenario, we can use the equation F=-kx, where F is the force exerted by the spring, x is the displacement from the relaxed length, and k is the stiffness. In this case, we know that the force exerted by the spring is 720 N and the relaxed length of the spring is 5.7 m. So, we can plug these values into the equation and solve for k:

720 N = -k(6 m - 5.7 m)

720 N = -0.3k m

k = 720 N / 0.3 m

k = 2400 N/m

Therefore, the stiffness of this spring is 2400 N/m.
 

What is the spring stiffness?

The spring stiffness refers to the measure of the force required to stretch or compress a spring by a certain distance. It is a characteristic property of a spring and is typically measured in units of force per unit length, such as N/m or lb/in.

How is spring stiffness calculated?

Spring stiffness is calculated by dividing the applied force by the change in length of the spring. This can be expressed mathematically as: k = F/Δx, where k is the spring stiffness, F is the applied force, and Δx is the change in length of the spring.

What factors affect spring stiffness?

The factors that affect spring stiffness include the material of the spring, the diameter and length of the spring, and the number of coils in the spring. Additionally, the temperature and age of the spring can also affect its stiffness.

Why is spring stiffness important?

Spring stiffness is important because it determines the behavior of a spring when a force is applied. It is used in various engineering applications, such as in suspension systems, to ensure that the spring can support the required load without deforming too much.

Can spring stiffness be changed?

Yes, spring stiffness can be changed by altering the material, diameter, length, or number of coils in a spring. The stiffness can also be adjusted by changing the temperature or by applying a pre-load to the spring. However, it is important to note that altering the stiffness can also affect other properties of the spring, such as its maximum load capacity.

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