How to Calculate Spring Constant and Stretch Distance

AI Thread Summary
The spring constant is calculated using the formula K=F/X, where a force of 12 N causes a stretch of 5.0 cm, resulting in a spring constant of 2.4 N/cm. When a force of 25 N is applied, the stretch is calculated as x = F/K, yielding approximately 10.42 cm. However, there was a noted error in the unit conversion, as the distance should be in decimeters rather than centimeters. The discussion confirms the calculations but highlights the importance of correct unit usage. Overall, the calculations are validated with a minor correction regarding units.
Ashford
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3. A certain Spring will stretch 5.0 cm when a force of 12 N is applied to it.
a. Calculate its spring constant in its elastic region.
I got K=F/X so 12/.5 which comes out to be 2.4

b. If a force of 25 N were applied to the same spring, how much would it stretch?
I got x = f/K so 25/2.4 which comes out to be 10.42 cm.

Is this correct?

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Yes it looks ok. In the first part however you have 12/.5 and quoted the correct answer in N/cm. I'm guessing it was a typo.
 
Actually it would have been in N/dm (decimetre), since Ashford divided the distance stretched by 10 instead of 100.

Edit: Ah yes, I see what you mean. So ... hah, ignore this.
 
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