Why Does a Heavy Spring Extend Differently Under Its Own Weight?

It seems like there may be a typo in the answer given in the book. It should be \frac{Mg}{2k}, not \frac{Mg}{3k}. In summary, after calculating the extension in a small element of the spring and integrating over the entire length, the correct answer for the extension due to the spring's own weight is \frac{Mg}{2k}, not \frac{Mg}{3k} as given in the book.
  • #1
randommanonea
7
0
A spring of mass [itex]M[/itex] is suspended from the ceiling of a room. Find the extension in the spring due to its own weight if it has a spring constant of value [itex] k [/itex].

I am getting answer as [itex] \frac{Mg}{2k} [/itex], but the answer given in back of the book is [itex]\frac{Mg}{3k}[/itex]. What I did was :

Let the natural (in un-stretched position) length of the spring be [itex]L[/itex]. Let us consider an element of length [itex]dx[/itex] at a distance [itex]x[/itex] from the bottom of the spring. Then the spring constant of this small spring is [itex]k_x = \frac{L}{dx} k[/itex]. Tension in this spring is [itex]T_x= \frac{x}{L} Mg [/itex] (due to the weight of the spring below it, neglecting the weight of this small spring). Therefore, the extension in this small spring, [itex] dl = \frac{T_x}{k_x} = \frac{Mg}{k L^{2}} x dx [/itex]. Therefore total extension, [itex] l = \frac{Mg}{k L^{2}} \int_{0}^{L} x dx = \frac{Mg}{2k}[/itex].

So, where I am wrong; or is the answer in the book wrong ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'd say that you are correct. What book are you using?
 

FAQ: Why Does a Heavy Spring Extend Differently Under Its Own Weight?

How does the length of a spring affect its extension?

The length of a spring directly affects its extension. The longer the spring, the more it will stretch when a force is applied to it. This is because the longer length provides more room for the coils to move apart from each other.

What is the relationship between the amount of force applied and the extension of a spring?

The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the amount of force applied to it. This means that as the force increases, the extension of the spring will also increase. This relationship is known as Hooke's Law.

Does the material of the spring affect its extension?

Yes, the material of a spring can affect its extension. Springs made of different materials have different levels of stiffness, which can impact how much they stretch under a given force. For example, a steel spring will have a different extension compared to a rubber spring with the same dimensions.

How does the diameter of a spring impact its extension?

The diameter of a spring also affects its extension. A thicker spring will have a higher stiffness and therefore less extension compared to a thinner spring under the same force. This is because a thicker spring has more material and therefore more resistance to stretching.

Can the extension of a spring be reversed?

Yes, the extension of a spring can be reversed. When the force is removed, the spring will return to its original length. This is because the internal forces within the spring try to restore it to its original shape, resulting in the opposite direction of the applied force.

Back
Top