Understanding Hooke's Law and SHM: A 4kg Mass on a Spring with k = 40n/m

[superaznnerd]

hooke's law and shm help please

Homework Statement

a 4 kg mass is placed on a spring (k = 40n/m) which hangs vertically. the mass is allowed to oscillate in shm. the maximum distance the mass travels in anyone direciton is 30cm

Homework Equations

k = 40 n/m
distance = 30 cm
mass = 4 kg
Fspring = -kx
net force = Fspring-mg

The Attempt at a Solution

Fspring = -kx
Fspring = -(40) (.3) = -12 (wrong answer)

 

[Doc Al]

What are you asked to find?

 

[superaznnerd]

o lol you're asked to find :
a) how many meters is the spring streched?
b) if the mass is lowered 20cm and released, what will be its period of oscillation?