Does height affect the constant of proportionality?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the constant of proportionality, denoted as 'k', and its relationship to height in the context of physics. Participants explore whether height influences 'k' in different scenarios, particularly in relation to Hooke's law and the behavior of falling objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the role of height in determining 'k', with some questioning if 'k' refers to a spring constant or a constant related to drag. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the applicability of Hooke's law to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants clarifying their understanding of 'k' in different contexts. Some have offered insights into the constancy of 'k' under certain conditions, while others are still grappling with the implications of height on this constant.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the definitions and applications of 'k', particularly in relation to drag and gravitational acceleration. Participants are navigating through different physics concepts without reaching a consensus on the impact of height on 'k'.

mwahx3
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Homework Statement



Does height affect the constant of proportionality?

'k'

Homework Equations



no relevant equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't think it does but I'm not sure why though.
 
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I don't understand... is k a spring constant?
 
hookes law.
 
mwahx3 said:
hookes law.

k is constant within a certain range of stretching... beyond that the spring is damaged and doesn't work as Hooke's law predicts...

height doesn't affect it.
 
hmmm. but in the example they use falling objects...not springs. that's what I'm stuck on.
 
mwahx3 said:
hmmm. but in the example they use falling objects...not springs. that's what I'm stuck on.

But Hooke's law is for springs. For falling objects, you probably don't need Hooke's law... unless I'm misunderstanding something.
 
ahhh. sorry what i said about hookes law. for falling objects, it stays constant since it is the acceleration. is this correct?
 
mwahx3 said:
ahhh. sorry what i said about hookes law. for falling objects, it stays constant since it is the acceleration. is this correct?

Well, acceleration is approximated to g close to the earth... technically it does change with height... but for most gravity/falling object problems (where we aren't dealing with astronomical distances), it is taken as constant = g = 9.8m/s^2
 
oh wait! sorry i misunderstood the problem! k is the constant of proportionality for the DRAG. so air resistance. but it still doesn't change does it?
 
  • #10
oh wait! sorry i misunderstood the problem! k is the constant of proportionality for the DRAG. so air resistance. but it still doesn't change does it?
 
  • #11
mwahx3 said:
oh wait! sorry i misunderstood the problem! k is the constant of proportionality for the DRAG. so air resistance. but it still doesn't change does it?

I don't think so... if the question gives it as a constant, then don't worry about it changing...
 
  • #12
okay. thank you.
 

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