Solve Stretched Spring Homework: Find End of Spring on Ruler

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a vertically hanging spring with a spring constant of 58 N/m and its position relative to a ruler. The original position of the spring is at the 15 cm mark on the ruler, and the question asks where the end of the spring will align after a 2.0 kg mass is attached.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Hooke's Law and the relationship between force, mass, and displacement. There are questions about the correct equations to use and the interpretation of the spring's behavior under additional weight. Some participants express confusion about the units and the initial conditions of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify the setup. Some have provided calculations based on their understanding, while others are questioning the assumptions made regarding the spring's original position and the units involved. There is no explicit consensus on the solution yet.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity regarding the origin point of the ruler and the units being used, as well as the initial conditions of the spring's position. Participants are trying to reconcile these details to arrive at a clearer understanding of the problem.

12boone
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Homework Statement


A spring with 58 hangs vertically next to a ruler. The end of the spring is next to the 15- mark on the ruler. If a 2.0- mass is now attached to the end of the spring, where will the end of the spring line up with the ruler marks?


Homework Equations



I used F=KX should it be mgy=kx? or mgy=1/2kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution



My solution was 32 centimeters and 34 centimeters and those were both wrong. Must use two sig figs.
 
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12boone said:

Homework Statement


A spring with 58 hangs vertically next to a ruler. The end of the spring is next to the 15- mark on the ruler. If a 2.0- mass is now attached to the end of the spring, where will the end of the spring line up with the ruler marks?

Homework Equations



I used F=KX should it be mgy=kx? or mgy=1/2kx^2

The Attempt at a Solution



My solution was 32 centimeters and 34 centimeters and those were both wrong. Must use two sig figs.

With F=-kx you can know k by the original measurement - assuming that 0 is the 0 force point. This implies that each unit represents 58*g/15 units of force. Adding another 2*g units of force means that you will get an additional 2*g*15/58*g units. This suggest then it will lengthen to 15+(30/58) units.

I'm curious where you got cm out of your description. Or is there a picture you aren't sharing and other units you haven't mentioned?
 
oh the ruler was 15 cm
 
sorry i guess my copy paste didnt work. The 58 is 58 N/m and is the K and it hangs next to a spring that is next to a ruler at 15 cm. If you add 2 kg to it what is the new measured distance?
 
12boone said:
sorry i guess my copy paste didnt work. The 58 is 58 N/m and is the K and it hangs next to a spring that is next to a ruler at 15 cm. If you add 2 kg to it what is the new measured distance?

I still have no idea where the origin is. But 2 kg will move it 2*9.8/58 m.
 

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