Hookes Law, Finding A Springs Constant

In summary, the spring constant can be calculated by dividing the weight of the mass in Newtons by the displacement of the spring in meters. In this case, the spring constant is equal to 10,000 N/m. However, it is important to convert all units to standard units before solving the problem.
  • #1
kcrawshaw
1
0
A spring extends by 10cm when a mass of 100g is attached to it. What is the spring constant? (calculate your answer in N/m)

I have done this so far but I don't feel that it is right as the Force (F) is in grams and not Newtons:

F = K x E
100 = K x 0.10
100 ÷ 0.10 = 100
K = 100 N/m

Is this right or have I gone wrong somewhere?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
What's the weight (in Newtons) of a 100 g mass? (Always convert everything to standard units.)
 
  • #3
[itex] F- kx [/itex]
100g = 100*10 = 1000 Newtons of force.

[itex] 1000 = -k (-0.1) \implies k = \boxed{10 000}[/itex]
 
  • #4
You'll need to convert the weight from g to kg; right now you have the units in (g*m/s^2)/m
N/m is (kg*m/s^2))/m where the unit of Newtons is kg*m/s^2
 
  • #5
oneplusone said:
[itex] F- kx [/itex]
100g = 100*10 = 1000 Newtons of force.

[itex] 1000 = -k (-0.1) \implies k = \boxed{10 000}[/itex]
This is incorrect.

Please allow the OP to solve the problem for themselves.
 

FAQ: Hookes Law, Finding A Springs Constant

1. What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law is a principle in physics that describes the relationship between the force applied to a spring and the resulting displacement of the spring. It states that the force applied is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring, as long as the spring is not stretched or compressed beyond its elastic limit.

2. How is Hooke's Law used to find a spring constant?

To find a spring constant, the force applied to the spring is measured and divided by the displacement of the spring. This value is the spring constant, also known as the spring stiffness, which is a measure of the stiffness of the spring and its ability to resist deformation under a given force. It is typically represented by the letter "k" and has units of Newtons per meter (N/m).

3. What factors can affect the accuracy of finding a spring constant using Hooke's Law?

The accuracy of finding a spring constant using Hooke's Law can be affected by several factors, including the type of spring being used (different materials and designs can have different spring constants), the precision of the force and displacement measurements, and the elasticity of the spring (which can change over time or with repeated use).

4. Can Hooke's Law be applied to all types of springs?

Hooke's Law can be applied to most types of springs, as long as they are within their elastic limit. This includes coil springs, leaf springs, and gas springs. However, some specialized springs, such as non-linear or non-homogeneous springs, may not follow Hooke's Law and may require different methods for finding their spring constant.

5. How is Hooke's Law used in real-world applications?

Hooke's Law is used in many real-world applications, such as in the design of suspension systems for vehicles, to determine the force required to extend or compress a spring. It is also used in the design of shock absorbers, to calculate the force needed to dampen vibrations. Other applications include spring scales, which use Hooke's Law to measure weight, and in various types of mechanical and electrical systems that involve springs.

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