How to Calculate Spring Constant and Stretch Distance

In summary, the spring constant of a certain spring was calculated to be 2.4 N/cm when a force of 12 N was applied to stretch it 5.0 cm. If a force of 25 N were applied, the spring would stretch 10.42 cm. However, due to a possible typo, the calculation may have been in N/dm instead of N/cm.
  • #1
Ashford
12
0
3. A certain Spring will stretch 5.0 cm when a force of 12 N is applied to it.
a. Calculate its spring constant in its elastic region.
I got K=F/X so 12/.5 which comes out to be 2.4

b. If a force of 25 N were applied to the same spring, how much would it stretch?
I got x = f/K so 25/2.4 which comes out to be 10.42 cm.

Is this correct?

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  • #2
Yes it looks ok. In the first part however you have 12/.5 and quoted the correct answer in N/cm. I'm guessing it was a typo.
 
  • #3
Actually it would have been in N/dm (decimetre), since Ashford divided the distance stretched by 10 instead of 100.

Edit: Ah yes, I see what you mean. So ... hah, ignore this.
 

Related to How to Calculate Spring Constant and Stretch Distance

What is the definition of "Spring Constant"?

The spring constant, also known as the force constant, is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It is represented by the letter k and is defined as the amount of force required to stretch or compress a spring by one unit of length.

How is the spring constant calculated?

The spring constant can be calculated by dividing the applied force by the displacement of the spring. This is represented by the equation k = F/x, where k is the spring constant, F is the applied force, and x is the displacement.

What are the units of measurement for the spring constant?

The units of measurement for the spring constant depend on the units used for force and displacement. In the SI system, the units are newtons per meter (N/m).

What factors can affect the value of the spring constant?

The stiffness of a spring, and therefore the spring constant, can be affected by various factors such as the material of the spring, the shape and size of the spring, and the number of coils in the spring. Temperature can also affect the spring constant, as some materials may become more or less stiff at different temperatures.

How is the spring constant used in real-world applications?

The spring constant is used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and biology. It is essential in designing and analyzing structures that involve springs, such as in suspension systems, shock absorbers, and measuring instruments. It is also used in understanding the behavior of elastic materials in nature, such as plant stems and animal tendons.

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