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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effect of acceleration on the measured value of the spring constant in a mass-spring system within an elevator. When the elevator accelerates upwards, the effective force on the spring increases due to the addition of gravitational force and the elevator's acceleration, expressed as F = m(g + a). For a 100g mass causing a 2cm displacement while accelerating at 2m/s², the spring constant is calculated differently than when at rest, leading to an increased value of K. This illustrates the importance of considering acceleration in dynamic systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law (K = F/x)
  • Basic knowledge of mass-spring systems
  • Concept of acceleration in physics
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  • Calculate spring constants under varying acceleration scenarios
  • Explore the dynamics of mass-spring systems in non-inertial frames
  • Study the effects of damping in mass-spring systems
  • Learn about advanced applications of Hooke's Law in engineering
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of mass-spring systems in varying gravitational conditions.

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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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