How Does Spring Constant Affect Work Done on a Stretched Spring?

In summary, Hooke's law states that the force required to stretch or compress a spring is directly proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed. The force constant of a spring is determined by dividing the applied force by its displacement, and factors such as the force constant, displacement, and direction of the applied force affect the amount of work done by a spring. The energy stored in a spring can be used for other purposes, as it can be converted into kinetic energy. The work done by a spring is directly related to its potential energy, with the amount of work being equal to the change in potential energy, calculated using the formula W = ½kx².
  • #1
grouchy
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Homework Statement



A spring with a spring constant f 15 N/cm has a cage attached to one end.
a) How much work does the spring force do on the cage when the spring is stretched from its relaxed length by 7.6 mm?
b) How much additional work is done by the spring force when the spring is stretched by additional 7.6 mm?


I converted the 7.6 mm to .76 cm but I aint sure on the question for this. Is it W - 1/s x 15 x .76 ?
 
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  • #2
use W=0.5KX^2 to find the work done..
 
  • #3


Your equation for calculating work (W = F x d) is correct. In this case, the force (F) is equal to the spring constant (15 N/cm) multiplied by the distance (d) of .76 cm. So the work done by the spring force in stretching the spring by 7.6 mm is 11.4 N/cm.

For part b, you can use the same equation and just change the distance to 1.52 cm (double the initial stretch of 7.6 mm). So the additional work done by the spring force is 22.8 N/cm.
 

1. What is Hooke's law and how does it relate to work involving a spring?

Hooke's law states that the amount of force required to stretch or compress a spring is directly proportional to the distance the spring is stretched or compressed. This means that the more you stretch or compress a spring, the greater the force it exerts. This law is applicable in many work involving springs, such as in springs used in mechanical systems or in measuring forces.

2. How is the force constant of a spring determined?

The force constant, also known as the spring constant, is a measure of how stiff a spring is and is determined by dividing the applied force by the displacement of the spring. This can be calculated by using the formula k = F/x, where k is the force constant, F is the applied force, and x is the displacement of the spring.

3. What factors affect the amount of work done by a spring?

The amount of work done by a spring is affected by its force constant, the amount of displacement, and the direction of the applied force. A stiffer spring (higher force constant) will require more work to stretch or compress, and a larger displacement will result in more work being done. Additionally, if the applied force is in the same direction as the displacement, more work will be done compared to if the force is in the opposite direction.

4. Can the energy stored in a spring be used for other purposes?

Yes, the energy stored in a spring can be used for other purposes. When a spring is compressed or stretched, it stores potential energy. This energy can be released and converted into kinetic energy, such as in a spring-powered toy or in a spring motor. This makes springs a useful source of energy in various applications.

5. How does the work done by a spring relate to its potential energy?

The work done by a spring is directly related to its potential energy. When a spring is stretched or compressed, it stores potential energy. As the spring returns to its original shape, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in work being done. The amount of work done by the spring is equal to the change in potential energy, which can be calculated using the formula W = ½kx², where W is the work, k is the force constant, and x is the displacement of the spring.

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