What Is the Force Constant of a Spring and Does It Change with Mass?

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SUMMARY

The force constant of a spring, calculated using Hooke's Law, is determined to be 4,800 N/m when a force of 720 N stretches the spring by 15 cm. When a 60-kg mass is applied, the spring stretches an additional 0.1225 m, using the same force constant. The force constant remains unchanged regardless of the mass applied, affirming that it is a constant property of the spring itself. Therefore, the same value of k should be used for different masses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law
  • Basic knowledge of force and mass calculations
  • Familiarity with units of measurement (N, m, kg)
  • Concept of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.8 m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Hooke's Law in detail
  • Explore the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration
  • Learn about the implications of spring constants in different materials
  • Investigate real-world applications of springs in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of springs under various loads.

Ogakor
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Homework Statement


A force of 720 N stretches a certain spring a distance of 15 cm. What is its force constant? If a 60-kg mass is hung on it, how far will it stretch?

Solving for Force Constant
given:
F (Restoring Force) = 720 N
ΔL (spring's elongation) = 15 cm x (1 m / 100 cm) = 0.15 m
k (Force constant) = ?

k = F / ΔL
k = 720 N / 0.15 m
k = 4,800 N/m

Solving for spring's elongation if mass is 60kg
given:
m = 60 kg
g = 9.8 m/s2
F = ?
ΔL = ?
ΔL = F / k
since F = mg,
ΔL = mg / k
Im not really sure what k is because the mass change. If I'll use the k from the first question, this will be the outcome.
ΔL = (60kg)(9.8m/s2) / 4800 N/m

ΔL = 0.1225 m

My problem is ithat, I am not sure what k (Force constant) is (in the 2nd problem). I've solved it with the first problem but since the mass change, maybe force constant is not the same as the first question. And if k is not the same, there will be two unknowns.
What do you think? Am I going to use the k in the first question or am I going to use another solution? What solution should I use?
On the other hand, I think force is constant because of the name. Not really sure, I am a noob at physics.
 
Last edited:
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The force constant for a spring is well...constant. So you did it correctly.
 
rock.freak667 said:
The force constant for a spring is well...constant. So you did it correctly.

thanks rock.freak
 

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