Calculating the Spring Constant for a 9.10 kg Mass on a Vertical Spring

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the spring constant (k) for a 9.10 kg mass compressing a vertical spring by 4.22 cm. The relevant equations used are F = kx and F = ma, leading to the calculation k = Fgravity / x. The correct calculation yields k = 2115.43 N/m, which needs to be converted to kN/m for the final answer. The user initially misinterpreted significant figures, leading to incorrect submissions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Basic knowledge of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Ability to convert units (cm to meters)
  • Familiarity with significant figures in scientific calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about unit conversions, specifically converting N/m to kN/m
  • Study the concept of significant figures in physics calculations
  • Explore more complex applications of Hooke's Law in different contexts
  • Investigate the effects of mass and spring constant on oscillatory motion
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Students in physics courses, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding spring dynamics and force calculations.

BHFCBabe
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Homework Statement


When a 9.10 kg mass is placed on top of a vertical spring, the spring compresses 4.22 cm.
Find the force constant of the spring.

Homework Equations


F=kx
F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that Fgravity should =Fspring so I set the two above equations equal to each other and plug in the proper values.
I will also convert the cm to meters so my answer has the correct units.

9.10(9.81)=k(.0422)
89.271/.0422=k
k=2115.43

It wants the answer in kN/m
I put 2120 first, because I thought it had the right number of sigfigs, but that was wrong.
So then I put in my exact answer which was also wrong.

What am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
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BHFCBabe said:

Homework Statement


When a 9.10 kg mass is placed on top of a vertical spring, the spring compresses 4.22 cm.
Find the force constant of the spring.


Homework Equations


F=kx
F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that Fgravity should =Fspring so I set the two above equations equal to each other and plug in the proper values.
I will also convert the cm to meters so my answer has the correct units.

9.10(9.81)=k(.0422)
89.271/.0422=k
k=2115.43

It wants the answer in kN/m
I put 2120 first, because I thought it had the right number of sigfigs, but that was wrong.
So then I put in my exact answer which was also wrong.

What am I doing wrong?
Hint: kN/m?

AM
 
I realized that about an hour later. Thanks.
 

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