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

AI Thread Summary
To find the spring constant for a 9.10 kg mass compressing a vertical spring by 4.22 cm, the equations F = kx and F = ma are used. The gravitational force is calculated as 89.271 N, leading to the equation k = 89.271 / 0.0422, resulting in k = 2115.43 N/m. The answer needs to be expressed in kN/m, which requires converting the units correctly. The initial submission of 2120 kN/m was incorrect due to improper significant figures, and the exact value was also deemed wrong. Proper unit conversion and significant figure application are crucial for the correct answer.
BHFCBabe
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top