Does Spring Length Affect Its Extension?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between spring length and its extension under a force, specifically referencing Hooke's Law (F = Kx). It establishes that the spring constant (K) is an intrinsic property of the spring, independent of its length. When considering two springs in series, the effective spring constant changes, affecting the overall extension under the same force. The conclusion is that a longer spring does not extend the same amount as a shorter spring when subjected to the same force, due to the properties of the spring constant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = Kx)
  • Knowledge of spring constants and their properties
  • Concept of springs in series and their combined spring constant
  • Basic physics principles related to force and extension
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of effective spring constant in series and parallel spring configurations
  • Investigate the impact of material properties on spring constants
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of Hooke's Law
  • Examine real-world applications of springs in engineering and design
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of springs and their behavior under different forces.

blade_chong
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
Consider a sping of length, L m and spring constant K N/m. If a force of F N is applied, we will expect the spring to be extended by x m. So The variables(F,K,x) can be combined to formed an equation, known as the hookes law i.e F=Kx. Does the length of spring have any effect on the extension?
Let say if i have the same spring, but now of length 2L, will the extension of the spring caused by the same force, F still remains at x?
Please help me in clarifying this concept =( thx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can't have the same spring with a different length. Note that the spring constant is a property of the entire spring, not just the material.

Perhaps you are thinking of what happens when you attach two springs in series? Will the same force produce the same stretch as with a single spring? What is the spring constant of the two-spring system? (Try and figure out what happens, given what you know about how a single spring works.)
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Questions about a spring and its principle
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Acceleration of mass depends upon K and L of a spring?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Does buoyancy affect the extension of a real spring?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Simple harmonic motion springs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Calculating Final Positions & Velocities for M1, M2 & Spring After DeltaT
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Irreversibility of Aristotle's law
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Can a spring reach its theoretical velocity without launching a projectile?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Find the force acting on the roller in the direction of the spring
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
In dynamics, do we assume springs always resist motion?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Length of a spring constantly accelerating through space?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K