What is the spring constant for a given set of scale readings and x coordinates?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the spring constant from a set of scale readings and corresponding x coordinates. The original poster presents a chart with various force measurements and their associated displacements, expressing confusion over the calculations and results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force and displacement in the context of Hooke's Law, questioning the original poster's understanding of the variables involved. There are attempts to clarify the method for calculating the spring constant using the provided data.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the problem and attempts to clarify the formula for the spring constant. Some participants offer guidance on how to approach the calculation, while others express uncertainty about the original poster's understanding of the necessary information.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates they have limited information and expresses frustration over inconsistent results from calculations. There is a focus on ensuring that the correct variables are understood and applied in the context of the problem.

Oo360oO
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Homework Statement



determine the spring constant state results in SI units.

here is the chart. this isn't making sense to me.

Scale Reading vs x coordinate
1.05 N--55 cm
.75 N---45 cm
.90 N--50 cm
1.35 N--65 cm
1.20 N--60 cm
.6 N--40 cm

thats all the info i have. I'm just not getting a solid answer


Homework Equations



k=-F/x

The Attempt at a Solution



i've attempted many different times, each time coming up with a different spring constant ranging from -3.86 to 3.
 
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To determine the spring constant, you need to find out by how much increases the force exerted by the spring, if you stretch it by a certain length. By the formula, we see that the force increases linearly, so only two measurements are enough to find out the spring constant.
 
kbaumen said:
To determine the spring constant, you need to find out by how much increases the force exerted by the spring, if you stretch it by a certain length. By the formula, we see that the force increases linearly, so only two measurements are enough to find out the spring constant.

ya I'm not really sure what your trying to say there...can you clarify what you mean by "you need to find out by how much increases the force exerted"?

i assure you this is all the info i have
 
Oo360oO said:
ya I'm not really sure what your trying to say there...can you clarify what you mean by "you need to find out by how much increases the force exerted"?

i assure you this is all the info i have

It really is enough info. Do you know what F, k and x are in the equation you've mentioned?
 
Oo360oO said:
ya I'm not really sure what your trying to say there...can you clarify what you mean by "you need to find out by how much increases the force exerted"?

i assure you this is all the info i have

you need to find out by how much increases the force exerted means that if you stretch the spring (pull it, increase it's length) then it's trying to reset the original length, therefore pulling its ends with a certain force.
 
What the formula means is;

The Force applied to something = Spring constant * The change in length (when that force is applied)

You have the force applied, you have the change in length, just bash it into your calculator, if your still struggling show us your working
 
Why are you so sure you don't have the right answer already? What methods are you using to determine different answers?
 
so is it just 3 N/m?

or do i not take the change in force?

(1.05 N-.9 N)/(.55-.50 m)

edit:i don't think I'm doing right because I'm getting different answers on this website everytime
http://www.calculatoredge.com/new/hookelaw.htm
 
Oo360oO said:
so is it just 3 N/m?

or do i not take the change in force?

(1.05 N-.9 N)/(.55-.50 m)

edit:i don't think I'm doing right because I'm getting different answers on this website everytime
http://www.calculatoredge.com/new/hookelaw.htm

Looks correct to me.
 

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