This problem is driving me crazy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a spring scale with weights attached, specifically examining the relationship between the weights and the displacement of the spring. The context includes determining the equilibrium point of the spring when different weights are applied and calculating the weight of an unknown package.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Hooke's law and the relationship between force and displacement. There is an exploration of how to find the equilibrium point of the spring and the relevance of the differences in measurements and weights.

Discussion Status

Some participants are clarifying their understanding of Hooke's law and its implications for the problem. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the next steps, but some progress is being made in grasping the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific weights and measurements, but there may be uncertainty regarding the setup and the implications of the spring's behavior without additional information about weight C.

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Homework Statement


A spring with a pointer attached is hanging next to a scale marked in millimeters. Three different weights (weights A, B and C) are hung from the spring, in turn, as shown below. Weight A weighs 111 N and B weighs 199 N.

there are three pictures of spring scales with weights attached: the first spring with weight A attached is at 40mm the second (with weight B) is at 60mm and the third (with weight C) is at 30mm

(1) Which mark on the scale will the pointer indicate when no package is hung from the spring?
(2) What is the weight of package C?

The Attempt at a Solution


right now I'm just thinking about part 1 so i found the difference in mm and N between A and B so i found 20mm and 88N and I'm pretty sure this is relevant, but I'm really confused and don't know where to go from here!
 
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The first part is basically just asking you to figure out the equilibrium point of the spring. When the mass is hanging from the spring, what keeps the mass from just falling to the floor? Just what does hooke's law say?
 
so F=kx
88=k20
so the answer would be 4.4?
 
Hooke's law says that the force is proportional to the spring constant and the displacement.

[tex]F = -k \Delta x[/tex]
 
ok i think I'm starting to get it now...thanks
 

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