The value of spring constant in Mass spring system in an elevator

AI Thread Summary
In a mass spring system within an upward-accelerating elevator, the effective force on the spring changes due to the additional acceleration. The spring constant, calculated using K = F/x, will reflect a higher value when the elevator accelerates because the force becomes F = m(g + a). For a 100g mass causing a 2cm displacement while accelerating at 2m/s², the spring constant would be higher than if the elevator were at rest. If unaware of the acceleration, one might miscalculate the spring constant, leading to inaccurate results. Thus, the measured spring constant increases with upward acceleration in the elevator.
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A mass spring system is in elevator which moves upward with an acceleration "a" . What will be effect on the measured value of spring constant compared to its value when elevator is at rest.

Since
K= F/x
At rest F=mg
But with acceleration
F=m(g+a)

So
I think the value is increased because the acceleration is added to the force .. Am I right ?
 
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Put in some numbers, and see what happens. Say, you've had a 100g mass cause a 2cm displacement on a spring while the elevator was accelerating upwards at 2m/s². What is the spring constant really? What would you say it was if you weren't aware of these 2m/s²?
 
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