Calculating force nessary to compress spring

[nikelberry]

The data for a ball and spring sensor is given below:
mass of ball = 0.12kg
spring constant = 30Nm^-1
distance to be compressed = 3.6cm

Calculate the force nessary to compress spring by 3.6cm.
The deceleration which the force in (the 1st question) would cause in a mass of 0.12kg.

i seem to find this question quite tricky, mainly becasue I am not sure of what equation to use!
please me on this one!

 

[Doc Al]

What does Hooke's law tell you about springs and Newton's 2nd law tell you about acceleration?

 

[nikelberry]

yay! i got it! thanks for your help much appreciated!
and that's my homework done!