Spring constant equation

3 questions about Spring constant equation

1. A spring in free suspension has a length of 10 cm. At the free end, a 200 gram weight is suspended so that the length of the spring is 11 cm. If g = 10 m/s2, what is the spring force constant?

Known:

The initial length of the spring (y1) = 10 cm = 0.10 m

The final length of the spring (y2) = 11 cm = 0.11 m

Spring length change (Δy) = 0.11 – 0.10 = 0.01 meter

The mass of the load (m) = 200 grams = 0.2 kg

Load weight (w) = m g = (0,2)(10) = 2 Newtons

Wanted: Spring constant (k)

Solution:

Spring constant formula:

F = k Δy

k = F / Δy = 2 / 0,01 = 200 / 1 = 200 Newton/meter

See also  Micrometer screw - problems and solutions

2. A spring can be stretched so that it is extended by 10 cm with a potential energy of 0.5 Joule. What is the spring constant?

Known:

The addition of the spring length (Δy) = 10 cm = 0.1 meter

Spring potential energy (EP) = 0.5 Joule

Wanted: Spring constant (k)

Solution:

The spring constant is calculated using the Spring Potential Energy formula:

EP = ½ k Δy2

2 EP = k Δy2

2 (0,5) = k (0,1)2

1 = k (0,01)

k = 1 / 0,01 = 100 / 1 = 100 Newton/meter

3. A spring pulled with a force of 100 N increases its length by 5 cm. Calculate the spring constant.

Known:

Force (F) = 100 N

Increase in spring length (Δx) = 5 cm = 0.05 m

Wanted: Spring constant (k)

See also  Ohm's law - problems and solutions

Solution:

F = k Δx

k = F / Δx = 100 / 0,05 = 10.000 / 5 = 2000 Newton/meter