What is the force constant of its rear suspension

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SUMMARY

The force constant of a car's rear suspension can be calculated using the formula Fx = -k(x), where Fx is the force exerted by the weight of the load. In this case, a 110-kg box causes a 13 cm decrease in the bumper height, leading to a calculated force constant of 8300.77 N/m, which is equivalent to 8.3 kN/m. The discrepancy with textbook answers is due to rounding conventions, as both values represent the same physical quantity.

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Problem-
A 110-kg box is loaded into the trunck of a car. If the higher of the car's bumber decreases by 13cm, what is the force constant of its rear suspension?

answer-

i know the formula is Fx= -k(x)
since Fx= 110 x 9.81
(110 x 9.81)/.13 =kN/m
i get = 8300.77
but the answer in the back of the book is 8.3kn/M
am i doing something wrong? please help
 
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You have it absolutely correct.

8300 N/m = 8.3 kN/m

kN is kiloNewtons, ie 10^3 Newtons
 
.

Your calculation is correct. The answer in the book is likely rounded to one significant figure, which would explain the difference. It is common for answers in textbooks to be rounded for simplicity. In this case, the answer of 8.3 kN/m is equivalent to your answer of 8300.77 N/m. Both are valid representations of the force constant of the rear suspension.
 

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