Question

Write a general expression for the force that the spring exerts on the mass, in term of k and x. Choose the initial position of the front of the spring to be xi

Answer 1

Complete Question

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Answer:

The value is $F_{spring} = - k * x_f$

Explanation:

Generally  the force exerted on the mass by the spring is mathematically represented as

         $F_{spring} = - k * \Delta x$

Here the negative sign  shows that the force is acting in the negative x axis

        k is the spring constant

  and  $\Delta x$ is the distance through which the spring moves the mass which is mathematically evaluated as

      $\Delta x = x_f -x_i$

=>   $F_{spring} = - k * [ x_f -x_i]$

Given that  $x_i = 0 \ m$

   $F_{spring} = - k * x_f$