Force problem using springs

In summary, The conversation discusses a homework problem involving evaluating the safety of a new device designed to hold arteries open. The design consists of three identical small spheres connected by three identical small springs in an equilateral triangle shape. The problem requires calculating the force exerted on the artery wall by one of the spheres based on the spring constant, compression distance, and angle of the triangle. The person attempting the problem is also asked to ignore certain factors such as blood flow and weight. The equations that may be useful in solving the problem are also listed. In the conversation, the person expresses understanding of the problem setup and the use of Newton's third law, but expresses confusion about the division of angles in the diagram. The expert summarizer explains that the
  • #1
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Homework Statement



2. You have been asked to evaluate a new device
designed to hold arteries open. The design has three
identical very small spheres connected in an equilateral triangle by three identical small springs. When inserted into an artery, the springs are compressed. To determine their safety, you have been asked to calculate the force exerted on the artery wall by one of the spheres as
a function of the spring constant,the compression distance of each spring, and the angle
between the sides of the triangle. For the first calculation you decide to ignore the blood flowing through the artery,the weight of the spheres and springs, and assume that the cross-section of the artery is a circle.

Homework Equations


F=ma

F=kx

cos θ = adj/hyp

sin θ = opp/hyp


The Attempt at a Solution



See attached document. I understand the setup for the problem in that we looking for the force of the spring on the artery. I also understand why Newton's third law of motion would be incorporated as the force of the sphere is the force of the artery and vice versa and that all objects are in equilibrium so the sum of forces in both the +x and +y directions are zero. My question, why in the diagram does it make sense to divide the angles of the triangle in half? Is it due to the opposing motion of the Fa? This is what I mostly don't understand about the problem...
 

Attachments

  • Sphere force on artery problem.jpg
    Sphere force on artery problem.jpg
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  • #2
The coordinates have been chosen so that the y-axis bisects the angle. This makes sense since the symmetry implies the forces in the springs are equal, so the resultant will lie on the angle bisector.
 

What is Hooke's Law and how is it related to force problems using springs?

Hooke's Law is a principle in physics that states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed from its equilibrium position. This is important in force problems using springs because it allows us to calculate the force applied to a spring based on how much it has been stretched or compressed.

What is the formula for calculating the force of a spring?

The formula for calculating the force of a spring is F = -kx, where F is the force applied to the spring, k is the spring constant (a measure of the stiffness of the spring), and x is the distance the spring has been stretched or compressed from its equilibrium position.

How do I know which direction the force of a spring is acting?

The force of a spring will always act in the direction opposite to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. In other words, if the spring is stretched, the force will be pulling back towards the equilibrium position. If the spring is compressed, the force will be pushing towards the equilibrium position.

Can the force of a spring ever be greater than the applied force?

No, the force of a spring cannot be greater than the applied force. This is because the spring will only stretch or compress until the forces are balanced and the spring reaches its equilibrium position. If the applied force is greater than the force of the spring, the spring will continue to stretch or compress until the forces are balanced.

How does the mass of an object affect the force of a spring?

The mass of an object has no direct effect on the force of a spring. However, the force required to stretch or compress a spring will vary depending on the weight of the object attached to the spring. Heavier objects will require a greater force to stretch or compress the spring compared to lighter objects.

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