The ideal spring and simple harmonic motion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a spring scale and simple harmonic motion, specifically focusing on calculating the spring constant and the weight of another person based on spring compression measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Hooke's Law to find the spring constant and express concerns about unit conversions, particularly between N/cm and N/m. There are attempts to verify calculations and clarify the reasoning behind the results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the correctness of their answers. Some guidance has been offered regarding unit conversions, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of an online homework assignment that does not provide answers until after the due date, which may contribute to uncertainty in verifying their solutions.

abvebstr19@co
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Homework Statement



A person who weighs 665 N steps onto a spring scale in the bathroom, and the spring compresses by 0.67 cm.
(a) What is the spring constant?
(b) What is the weight of another person who compresses the spring by 0.37 cm?


Homework Equations



f=-Kx

frequency=(1/2pi)(k/m)^.5
frequency=1/T
where T=period

The Attempt at a Solution


f=kx
665N=K(.67cm)
K=992.53
 
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abvebstr19@co said:

The Attempt at a Solution


f=kx
665N=K(.67cm)
K=992.53 N/cm


Write in your units.

So you basically want to to find F, for a given x and you know k. Just re-use the formula again.
 
thanks, i did that but the answer for that part is still wrong and i can't figure out why
 
abvebstr19@co said:
thanks, i did that but the answer for that part is still wrong and i can't figure out why

What is the given answer?
 
there is none. its an online homework so they don't give answers until after its due
 
abvebstr19@co said:
there is none. its an online homework so they don't give answers until after its due

Likely they want the answer in N/m, not N/cm
 

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