Question

The drawing shows three identical springs hanging from the ceiling. Nothing is attached to the first spring, whereas a 4.5 n block hangs from the second spring. A block of unknown weight hangs from the third spring. From the drawing, determine

Answer 1

<Continuation of the question>

(a) the spring constant (in N/m) and

(b) the weight of the block hanging from the third spring.

the distance for the first spring is 20cm, the second 35cm, the third 50cm.

Answer:

a) To find the spring constant, we'll use the formula

F=kx, if we make k the subject we'll get

k=F/x, where F=4.5N, x = 35cm - 20cm = 15cm = 0.15m

k=F/x = 4.5N/0.15m =  30N/m is the Answer

b) to find the weight of block hanging on third spring

we use the formula F=kx

where k = 30N/m, x=50cm-20cm=30cm=0.30m

F=kx = (30N/m)*(0.30m) = 9N  is the Answer