Spring Stretch in Car Towing: How Far Does the Spring Extend?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the extension of a spring in a towing scenario involving a car and a 92 kg trailer. The spring constant is given as 2300 N/m, and the car's acceleration is 0.3 m/s². The calculation using Hooke's Law (Fs = kx) leads to a spring extension of 0.012 meters. The solution is valid under the assumptions that acceleration is constant and units are correctly applied.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (Fs = kx)
  • Basic knowledge of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with units of measurement in physics (N/m, m/s²)
  • Concept of constant acceleration in mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of variable acceleration on spring extension
  • Explore advanced applications of Hooke's Law in dynamic systems
  • Learn about the effects of damping in spring systems
  • Investigate real-world applications of spring constants in automotive engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of towing systems and spring mechanics.

zachattackback
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Homework Statement


A car towing a 92 kg trailor with a spring between the car and the trailor. the accelertion of the car is .3. the spring constant is 2300
how far is the spring stretched


Homework Equations


Fs=kx


The Attempt at a Solution



Fs=kx
ma=kx
(92)(.3)=2300x
x=.012m

i am not sure if that was legal
 
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zachattackback said:

Homework Statement


A car towing a 92 kg trailor with a spring between the car and the trailor. the accelertion of the car is .3. the spring constant is 2300
how far is the spring stretched


Homework Equations


Fs=kx


The Attempt at a Solution



Fs=kx
ma=kx
(92)(.3)=2300x
x=.012m

i am not sure if that was legal

It is legal, but it rests on several assumptions.

1) That the units of a are m/s²

2) That the units of k are N/m

3) That the acceleration of the trailor is constant- the length of the spring is constant. In reality, it would not be if the car started moving with constant acceleration at some point in time.
 
thanks for the help
 

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