Question
e) A force of 300 N acts on a different spring. The force causes the spring to extend by 0.40 m. Calculate the spring constant of the spring.
Answer
4.5
(264 Votes)
Louie
Advanced · Tutor for 1 years
Answer
Using the formula `F = kx`, we can find `k` by rearranging the formula: `k = F / x`. Thus substituting given values: `k = 300 N / 0.4 m`, which yields `k` as 750 N/m.
Explanation
The physics theory in this question is Hooke's law, which states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance. This is expressed mathematically as `F = kx`, where `F` is the force, `x` is the displacement (extensions or compression), and `k` is the spring constant. In this question, the force `F` is given as 300 N and the displacement `x` is given as 0.4 m. We are tasked to calculate the spring constant `k`.