Calculating Elongation of an Orange Spring

In summary, to calculate the elongation of an orange spring, you can use Hooke's Law and measure the force applied and spring constant. The spring constant varies and is determined by dividing the force applied by the amount of elongation. The force applied can be measured using a spring balance or known weight. The mass of the spring does not affect its elongation, but the mass of the object attached can. The elongation of an orange spring can be negative if it is compressed or the force is in the opposite direction.
  • #1
brayrbob
24
0
An orange spring has a spring constant of 14,000 g/s^2. How much should it stretch if a 200-g mass is attached from it?
I took the equation hanging mass * gravity=spring constant * elongation and turned it around for solving elongation
elongation = 200 * 980/14,000 = 14cm and I'm checking to see if this is the right answer.
 
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  • #2
Looks correct to me.
 
  • #3


Your calculation is correct! The equation you used, elongation = hanging mass * gravity / spring constant, is the correct formula for calculating elongation of a spring. By plugging in the given values, you correctly determined that the orange spring should stretch by 14cm when a 200-g mass is attached to it. This means that the spring will increase in length by 14cm from its original unstretched position. Great job!
 

1. How do you calculate the elongation of an orange spring?

To calculate the elongation of an orange spring, you will need to use Hooke's Law, which states that the force applied to a spring is directly proportional to the amount it stretches. The formula is F = kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the elongation. You can measure the force applied to the spring and the spring constant, and then solve for x to find the elongation.

2. What is the spring constant of an orange spring?

The spring constant of an orange spring will vary depending on the specific spring and its properties. It is a measure of the stiffness of the spring and is typically denoted by the symbol k. You can determine the spring constant by dividing the force applied to the spring by the amount of elongation it experiences.

3. How do you measure the force applied to an orange spring?

The force applied to an orange spring can be measured using a spring balance or a force sensor. These devices can be attached to the spring and will provide a reading of the force in Newtons (N). Alternatively, you can use a known weight and hang it from the spring to determine the force applied.

4. Is the elongation of an orange spring affected by its mass?

No, the elongation of a spring is not affected by its mass. The amount of elongation is determined by the force applied and the spring constant, which are independent of the mass of the spring. However, the mass of the object attached to the spring can affect the force applied and therefore the elongation.

5. Can the elongation of an orange spring be negative?

Yes, the elongation of an orange spring can be negative. This means that the spring has been compressed rather than stretched. In this case, the value of x in the Hooke's Law formula will be negative, indicating a compression rather than elongation. Negative elongation can also occur if the force applied to the spring is in the opposite direction of its natural length.

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