The original poster attempts to calculate the energy stored in a spring given its spring constant and maximum stretch. The relevant equation for potential energy in a spring is provided, and an initial calculation is made.
There is ongoing dialogue about the accuracy of the initial calculation and the implications of significant figures. Some participants suggest that the original answer may have been misentered, leading to confusion. Guidance on unit conversion and significant figures is being explored.
Participants note the importance of significant figures in the context of the problem, as well as the potential for misinterpretation of numerical values. The discussion reflects a learning process regarding the application of formulas and the importance of precision in calculations.
what units should you use for the stored energy? (You left them out).aligass2004 said:Well I tried the answer, and it was wrong. I don't know what other equation I would use.
OK try 2.88J or 2.9J (I'm not good at significant figures) and see if the computer buys it.aligass2004 said:It would be (N/m)(m^2) = Nm = J
Yes, I think you're right, webassign gets very picky.hotcommodity said:As far as sig figs go, I think it should be 3 Joules. We only know the spring constant to one significant digit.
Great, just when I learn how to do significant figures, the computer wasn't looking for 'em. That figures!aligass2004 said:Holy crap everyone! I am so sorry about this problem. I was just going to try entering 3, when I noticed that I didn't put the decimal point into my original answer. BIG difference between 288 and 2.88! Sorry again!