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user977784078
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Homework Statement
A spring system consists of two parallel springs on top and a single spring connected to them on the bottom as shown:
http://i.imgur.com/hgMr12U.png
If the system is extended by 7 cm (i.e. x = 0.07m), F = 5N and k2 = 10 N/m, explain why the value of k1 is unrealistic.
Homework Equations
[tex]F = \frac{2k_1k_2x}{2k_1+k_2}[/tex]
[tex]k_1 = \frac{F k_2}{2k_2x-2F}[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
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When I solve for k1 using the given values, I get k1 = -6, but I know that spring constant can't be negative. If spring constant is large and positive, it means the spring is stiff, if it is small, it means the spring is soft, and if it is zero, it means the spring is very soft that it doesn't counteract the force applied to it.
A negative spring constant makes no sense, so what is the correct explanation in this situation?
I have these explanations:
- Since k2 is small, the bottom spring is soft, so the top springs don't experience any force since the bottom spring is very soft and counteracts the force applied.
- Since k2 is small, the spring is denatured so the top springs aren't affected by the force.
- A negative spring constant means that the spring doesn't counteract the force applied to it but instead it produces a force in the direction of the applied force and according to Newton's 3rd law, this is not possible unless an external force acts on the spring.
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