Finding Spring Constant: Solving the Spring Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a spring problem involving a block hanging from a spring and the effect of an additional mass on the spring's displacement. The subject area includes concepts of forces, equilibrium, and spring constants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the spring constant using the formula for spring force but questions their understanding of the forces involved when an additional mass is added. Some participants question the application of the total force acting on the spring.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the forces at play. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the forces acting on the spring, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a potential misunderstanding regarding the total force applied to the spring and the equilibrium conditions. The original poster's calculations may be based on assumptions that require further clarification.

rileyjah
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Spring problem!

Homework Statement



A 1.60 kg block hangs from a spring. If a 400 g body is hung from the block, the spring is stretched 2.00 cm farther. What is the spring constant?

Homework Equations



Fsp=-kdeltas

The Attempt at a Solution



(2.0Kg)(9.8)/(0.02)=k
k-980 N/m... which is wrong

So I am assuming that at equilibrium with m1 x=0, and when the second mass is added the total displacement is delta s=0.02 m - what am I missing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Are you really applying 2*9.8 Newtons of additional force to the spring?
 


Ohhhh! It makes sense now!
 


Thank you!
 


rileyjah said:
Thank you!
A pleasure :smile:
 

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