Hooke's Law and Work; easy problem, I shouldn't have trouble, but I get it wrong

In summary, the work done in stretching a string of natural length 10 in. to a length of 14 in. under a weight of 8-lb is calculated using the equation W = ∫f(x)dx, where f(x) = kx, and k = 16/3. The resulting work is equal to 2048/9 ft-lbs, but the correct answer is actually 128/3 ft-lbs.
  • #1
B3NR4Y
Gold Member
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Homework Statement


A string of natural length 10 in. stretches 1.5 in. under a weight of 8-lb. Find the work done in stretching the spring from its natural length to a length of 14 in.

Homework Equations


\begin{equation}
W= \int_a^b \, f(x)dx
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
f(x)=kx
\end{equation}

The Attempt at a Solution


\begin{equation}
8=k(\frac{3}{2})
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
k=\frac{16}{3}
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
W=\frac{16}{3} \int_0^4 \, xdx
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
W= \frac{16}{3} \, (\frac{1}{2} x^{2} |^{4}_{0})
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
\frac{2048}{9}
\end{equation}
Book says the answer is:
\begin{equation}
\frac{128}{3} ft-lbs.
\end{equation}
 
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  • #2
*facepalm* Gotta love arithmetic mistakes.
 

Related to Hooke's Law and Work; easy problem, I shouldn't have trouble, but I get it wrong

1. What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law is a fundamental principle in physics that describes the relationship between the force applied to a spring and the resulting deformation or displacement of the spring.

2. How is Hooke's Law expressed mathematically?

Hooke's Law can be expressed as F = -kx, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring. This equation is often written as F = kx, where the negative sign indicates that the force and displacement are in opposite directions.

3. What is the significance of the spring constant in Hooke's Law?

The spring constant, represented by the variable k, is a measure of the stiffness of the spring. It determines how much force is needed to produce a certain amount of displacement in the spring. A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring that requires more force to stretch or compress.

4. How is Hooke's Law related to work?

Hooke's Law can be used to calculate the work done on a spring. The work done is equal to the force applied multiplied by the distance the spring is stretched or compressed. This can be expressed as W = 1/2kx2, where W is the work done, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring.

5. What are some real-life applications of Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law is applicable to a variety of real-life situations, including the design of suspension systems in cars, the construction of buildings and bridges, and the development of various types of springs used in everyday objects such as mattresses, trampolines, and door hinges.

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