Finding Spring Constant Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the spring constant in a problem involving an incline. The original poster attempts to apply the formula k=mg/x but encounters difficulties due to the incline's effect on gravity and other forces at play.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to consider the component of gravity acting down the incline, friction, and the spring force. There are questions about the appropriateness of the equation used and the values plugged into it. Some express a desire to understand the underlying concepts rather than just obtaining numerical answers.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing hints and emphasizing the importance of understanding the fundamental concepts involved. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet, but guidance has been offered to explore the relationships between forces and the setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of balancing coursework demands with the need for deeper understanding, which may affect their approach to solving problems.

mohabitar
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For number 3, I'm trying to find that spring constant. We know that k=mg/x. So it should be 9.5(9.8)/.13, which is incorrect. However since it is on an incline, we should find the incline aspect of gravity, which I found to be 3.5, but that didnt work either. I've tried a lot of different values, none seem to work. Any hints?
 
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You've got to include the component of gravity acting down the plane, friction up the plane, and the spring force. Please show how you arrived at your solution.
 
Well I haven't really arrived at a solution. I was just playing with numbers and plugging them in the system until I got a green checkmark, but that's not really what I should be doing. Am I using the right equation, k=mg/x? And for m I'd use 9.5 and for g, I'd have to find the incline aspect of gravity using trig, and for x id just use .13? That should give me the answer I'm looking for or is there more?
 
You can't just be checking boxes until a green checkmark shows up. You've got to understand the basic concepts of vectors, friction, forces, Newton's laws, free body diagrams, etc. You might want to start by showing us your method for the solution of the 2nd problem. Read up in your text on incline planes , or search on-line.
 
For the second problem, I used a formula that was discussed in a pre-lecture video example: a=9.8(u[k]cosx-sinx), x being theta and u[k] being the coefficient of friction. Not really sure how that formula works, but it got me the right answer. I really want to understand this stuff rather than just plug in numbers into formulas, but there's just so much work to do in this class where it doesn't give me much time to spend some quality time on each problem, so I am left with just doing everything as quickly as possible :(
 

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