# Find the spring constant

1. Dec 11, 2013

### cosmo1993

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A mass m is connected to a spring with unstretched length L. You hold on to one end of the spring and swing the mass around. You practice getting the mass going until the spring just goes slack at the top of the path. At the bottom of the path. the spring stretches by an amount equal to half of its unstretched length.
Why doesn't the mass make a circular path?
Find the spring constant k of the spring

2. Relevant equations
F = -kΔs
at the bottom of the circle
Normal force = mg + ma

3. The attempt at a solution
I figured that the mass does not make a circular path because the spring is oscillating as it travels around the circle, therefore, the path of the mass is more egg shaped.

I said that K = (m(g+a))/Δs would be the spring constant but I am not sure if I am correct. Any help?

2. Dec 11, 2013

### vela

Staff Emeritus
No, that's not correct. What's $a$? What's $\Delta s$? What about $L$? You haven't expressed $k$ in terms of known quantities.

By the way, there is no normal force. A normal force is a force exerted by a surface in contact with an object. The mass isn't in contact with any surface, so there can be no normal force.

Start by drawing a free-body diagram for the mass at the top of the path and at the bottom of the path.

3. Dec 11, 2013

### ehild

You need to give the spring constant in terms of L and m. What is a and what is its direction?

You are right, the mass does not follow a circular path. What forces act on it at the highest and at the lowest points?

At these points, you can consider the path as piece of some circle. There must be some force pointing towards the centre to make the path. How those forces are related to the speed and the distance from the centre?

You can also assume conservation of energy.

ehild