Question

The scale reads 28 N when the lower spring has been compressed by 2.2 cm . What is the value of the spring constant for the lower spring? Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Answer 1

Answer:

$1.3 \cdot 10^2 N/m$

Explanation:

We can solve the problem by using Hooke's law:

$F=kx$

where

F is the force applied to the spring

k is the spring constant

x is the compression/stretching of the spring

For the spring in the problem, we have

F = 28 N

x = 2.2 cm = 0.022 m

Solving for k, we find

$k=\frac{F}{x}=\frac{28}{0.022}=1272 N = 1.3 \cdot 10^2 N/m$