Why Does a Heavy Spring Extend Differently Under Its Own Weight?

  • Thread starter Thread starter randommanonea
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Extension Spring
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the extension of a spring under its own weight, specifically a spring with mass M and spring constant k. The user derived an extension of \(\frac{Mg}{2k}\) using integration, but the book states the answer is \(\frac{Mg}{3k}\). The user’s method involved considering the tension in differential elements of the spring and integrating over its length, leading to a discrepancy with the book's solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring constants
  • Basic calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Concept of tension in elastic materials
  • Knowledge of forces acting on suspended objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of spring extension under varying loads
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in mechanics
  • Learn about the effects of mass distribution in elastic materials
  • Explore advanced topics in elasticity and material science
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone studying the mechanics of materials and elastic systems.

randommanonea
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
A spring of mass [itex]M[/itex] is suspended from the ceiling of a room. Find the extension in the spring due to its own weight if it has a spring constant of value [itex]k[/itex].

I am getting answer as [itex]\frac{Mg}{2k}[/itex], but the answer given in back of the book is [itex]\frac{Mg}{3k}[/itex]. What I did was :

Let the natural (in un-stretched position) length of the spring be [itex]L[/itex]. Let us consider an element of length [itex]dx[/itex] at a distance [itex]x[/itex] from the bottom of the spring. Then the spring constant of this small spring is [itex]k_x = \frac{L}{dx} k[/itex]. Tension in this spring is [itex]T_x= \frac{x}{L} Mg[/itex] (due to the weight of the spring below it, neglecting the weight of this small spring). Therefore, the extension in this small spring, [itex]dl = \frac{T_x}{k_x} = \frac{Mg}{k L^{2}} x dx[/itex]. Therefore total extension, [itex]l = \frac{Mg}{k L^{2}} \int_{0}^{L} x dx = \frac{Mg}{2k}[/itex].

So, where I am wrong; or is the answer in the book wrong ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'd say that you are correct. What book are you using?
 

Similar threads

Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K