Will a spring constant always remain the same?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The spring constant remains unchanged regardless of the mass attached to the spring, as confirmed in the discussion. When a spring is stretched 30 cm from its equilibrium position, a force of 10N is required to hold it in place, irrespective of whether the mass is M or 2M. The force applied to keep the mass stationary must equal the force exerted by the spring, which is determined by the spring constant and the displacement from equilibrium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (Fs = kx)
  • Basic knowledge of mass and force concepts
  • Familiarity with frictionless surfaces in physics
  • Concept of equilibrium in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Hooke's Law in various mechanical systems
  • Explore the relationship between mass and force in dynamic systems
  • Learn about energy conservation in spring systems
  • 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 principles of spring dynamics and force equilibrium.

Pharris7
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A Mass, M, is at rest on a frictionless surface, connected to an ideal horizontal spring that is unstretched. A person stretches the spring 30cm from equilibrium and holds it at this location by applying a 10N force. The spring is brought back to equilibrium and the mass connected in now 2M. If the spring constant is extended back 30 cm from equilibrium, what is the necessary force that must be applied by the person to hold the mass stationary there?


Homework Equations



Fs=kx


The Attempt at a Solution



Well if there is a force of 10N pulling to one side, then to keep the mass still, the same force must be applied in the opposite direction.

To me it seems like the change in mass doesn't matter.

Could someone confirm this for me,

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Pharris7 said:

Homework Statement


A Mass, M, is at rest on a frictionless surface, connected to an ideal horizontal spring that is unstretched. A person stretches the spring 30cm from equilibrium and holds it at this location by applying a 10N force. The spring is brought back to equilibrium and the mass connected in now 2M. If the spring constant is extended back 30 cm from equilibrium, what is the necessary force that must be applied by the person to hold the mass stationary there?


Homework Equations



Fs=kx


The Attempt at a Solution



Well if there is a force of 10N pulling to one side, then to keep the mass still, the same force must be applied in the opposite direction.

To me it seems like the change in mass doesn't matter.

Could someone confirm this for me,

thanks
Correct; the mass doesn't matter in this case.
 

Similar threads

Why can we move the spring with constant speed when we apply a force?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Force transmitted to a block in viscous fluid through a spring, cord, and pulley
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
986
Finding effective spring constants
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Spring characteristics when loaded with a mass
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Solving the Spring Paradox: Uncovering the Error
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why is my solution to finding the spring constant incorrect?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Amplitude of a mass joined to a spring in the presence of an E-field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Maximum displacement in mass spring system
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Problem with when to use Force and Energy. What compresses spring/
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K