Calculate what K (Spring Constant) my spring should have

[Tolale]

Hi!
Well, I need to calculate what K (Spring Constant) my spring should have. I want my spring to be stretched a certain length L, and always go back to its original position (no plastic deformation).
Can someone help me?

Thanks

 

[berkeman]

Hi!
Well, I need to calculate what K (Spring Constant) my spring should have. I want my spring to be stretched a certain length L, and always go back to its original position (no plastic deformation).
Can someone help me?

Thanks

The fundamental spring equation is F = -k * delta-x Are you familiar with this equation?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooke's_law

.

 

[dreit]

Could you use the formula mgh=(1/2)kx^2 also? or is that just for the conservation of energy?

 

[berkeman]

Could you use the formula mgh=(1/2)kx^2 also? or is that just for the conservation of energy?

That can be used if it's gravitational force that causes the displacement...