How to find the k constant of a spring?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the spring constant (k) of a spring used in a lab experiment where it was launched to hit a target 2.01m away and 0.22m high. The participant calculated the k constant to be 2.752 N/m using the equation Eg + Ee = Eg, considering gravitational potential energy and elastic energy. The spring's length at equilibrium is noted as 0.04m, and the force at a compression of 0.035m is calculated to be 0.09632N. The participant questions whether these values are too small, suggesting potential errors in their method.

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  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy (Eg) and elastic potential energy (Ee)
  • Familiarity with the spring constant (k) and Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Basic knowledge of projectile motion and angles
  • Ability to perform energy conservation calculations
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  • Review the principles of energy conservation in spring systems
  • Learn about the derivation and application of Hooke's Law
  • Investigate methods to experimentally determine the spring constant (k)
  • Explore the effects of angle and height on projectile motion
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators looking for practical applications of spring dynamics in experiments.

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EDIT: I just found the homework board, mods: don't bother moving this thread, just delete it. Thanks

We had a lab where we launch springs with an unknown k constant to a target 2.01m away and 0.22m high. We also know the angle at which we shot the spring.

We need to find the k constant of the spring, so my question is, does the kinetic energy matter?

Will the equation be:

Eg + Ee = Eg + Ek (The spring had gravitational potential as it was launched a bit higher than the reference position (the table)

or

Eg + Ee = EgThanks.
 
Last edited:
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If I did the Eg + Ee = Eg method, then my k constant turned out to be 2.752 N/m.

The spring's length at equilibrium is 0.04m; the spring is quite tiny.

Does this k constant seem to small?
 
Also, using F= kx, the force contained in the spring when x = 0.035m, is 0.09632N

Are these values too small, which could possibly hint the method I tried is wrong?
 
Last edited:

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