Calculating Spring Constant and Force for a Vertical Spring

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the spring constant and the force required to compress a vertical spring, based on the behavior of a mass attached to it. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, specifically relating to springs and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks assistance in determining the spring constant and the force for compression, indicating uncertainty about the necessary formulas. Some participants discuss the application of Hooke's law and the relationship between forces acting on the mass. There is a question regarding the definition of the variable y0 in the context of the spring's equilibrium position.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring the implications of Hooke's law and clarifying the meaning of variables involved in the calculations. Guidance has been offered regarding the equilibrium condition of the mass and the forces acting on it.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the mass being stationary, which implies that the net force is zero. The participants are also discussing the displacement from the equilibrium position of the spring, which is relevant to the calculations being attempted.

dg_5021
Messages
80
Reaction score
0
A mass of 100g causes a vertical spring to stretch by 2.0 cm (a) Find the spring constant of the spring in N/M. (b) How much force will cause the spring to compress by 0.5 cm?

Can some help me? How do u do this? What formula do I have to use?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the mass is stationary, the net force acting on it is zero.
Gravity exerts a force on the mass downwards.
The spring exerts a force on the mass upwards.
Since the net force is zero, these must be equal.
The force of the spring is given by Hooke's law.
 
Hooke's law is : mg = k(y-yo)

so that would be: k= (mg)/(y-yo)
k= ((.100kg)(9.81m/s^2))/(.02m-yo)

What is yo?
 
Here y0 would be the y-value when the string is not streched or compressed.
So that y-y0 measures the displacement from equilibrium of the spring.
In your problem y-y0 is 2.0 cm.
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K