Finding elastic constant given mass and elongation

[Prio]

Homework Statement

I'm doing a lab where a known mass is suspended by a spring. All that is known is the mass of the weight used and the length of the elongation of the spring, and I need to find the elastic potential energy of the spring and the spring constant, K.

Homework Equations

(formatted text links aren't clicking for me?)
Elastic PE = 1/2Kx^2--x normally applies to the elongation of the spring though it is extending in the y direction in this case

Gravitational PE = 9.81mh

GPE + EPE = Total PE/KE (energy is assumed to be conserved)

The Attempt at a Solution

The problem is I have two variables and no way I can see to substitute for one of them to simplify the equation, so I don't know how to isolate a spring constant or the elastic potential energy.

 

[Delphi51]

You need the other spring formula, F = kx.

 

[Prio]

Ah, that should help. is that force found with Mass*g*x?
Thanks for the help thus far.

 

[Delphi51]

The F is mass*g.
Solve for k.

 

[Prio]

lol you're right-- after I thought about it, I realized it was just m*g. I'll be able to finish it up , and now I'm sure you want to get to some more questions so have a good night;)