Question

A spring has a spring constant of 81 N · m−1. What is the force (in N) required to do the following? (Enter the magnitude.) (a) compress the spring by 6 cm N (b) expand the spring by 17 cm N

Answer 1

Explanation:

It is given that,

Spring constant, k = 81 N/m

We need to find the force required to :

(a) Compress the spring by 6 cm i.e. x₁ = 6 cm = -0.06 m

It can be calculated using Hooke's law as :

F = - k(-x₁)

$F=81\ N/m\times 0.06\ m$

F = 4.86 N

(b) Expand the spring by 17 cm i.e. x₂ = 17 cm = +0.17 m

So, F = -kx₂

$F=-81\ N/m\times 0.17\ m$

F = -13.77 N

Hence, this is the required solution.