The discussion revolves around the understanding of the equations F=kx and F=-kx, particularly in the context of spring mechanics. Participants are exploring the implications of these formulas and their applications in different scenarios.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the definitions of the forces involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the two equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the formulas.
Participants are referencing Newton's Third Law of Motion and discussing the directionality of forces in relation to the positive x-axis. There is an acknowledgment of the need to integrate the forces to relate them to work, indicating a potential gap in understanding that is being addressed.
Toranc3 said:Work done on the spring
F=kx positive
Work done by the spring
F=-kx negative
Remember Newton's Third Law of Motion. Re-read it if you have to.
daivinhtran said:Nope. I don't think so. F means force.
So, F=kx is the force we act on the spring
F= -kx is the force acted by the spring.
Example
Assume the x positive direction is to the right...and we stretch the spring the right, that means our force is pointed to the right...
and the force of the spring is pointed to the left.