How does adding a block to a spring affect its stiffness?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of adding a block to a spring in a sink, specifically focusing on how this addition influences the spring's stiffness and length. The problem involves concepts from mechanics and material properties, including force, pressure, and buoyancy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss calculating the weight of the block and the spring's stiffness, as well as considering the forces acting on the block when submerged in water. There are inquiries about the implications of water density and how it affects the spring's behavior.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring various aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces involved and the importance of drawing a free body diagram. However, there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take or the final outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific dimensions and densities. The implications of water density and its effect on the spring's length are also under consideration.

caitbaby23
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Homework Statement


A spring sticks up from the bottom of the sink, 0.20[m] long ; when a light (ρ=750[kg/m³]) wood block (0.2[m,x]×0.2[m,y]×0.1[m,z]) is attached on top of it, the spring becomes 0.05[m] long.


Homework Equations


mass density = mass / volume
Fspring = -ks



The Attempt at a Solution



a) weight of block = 3kg
stiffness of spring?
b & the others.. ??
 
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What do you need to determine?
 
a) calculate the weight of the block, and the spring's stiffness.
b) Write the Forces applied to the block if the sink is filled until the block's top is .05[m] below water surface (ρ=1000[kg/m³]).
c) calculate the Pressure Force on block's top and on block's bottom. (Patmosphere=10000[N/m²])
d) What will the spring's length become, when the block is submerged?
 
- for spring stiffness all you need to think about is the formula for the force exerted by a spring. draw your free body diagram. There will only be two forces...

- what do you think adding water does? the question already gives you a great hint in that it gives you the density of water...
 

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