Can this info get a spring constant and a drop height

In summary, the conversation discusses a 450lb cart with 16 inches of travel and how it sinks 3 inches with the addition of a 125lb person. The speaker asks if this information can be used to determine a spring constant and drop height for when the cart is occupied. However, without more information about the cart's spring and attachment, it is not possible to calculate this. The formula for Hooke's law (F=k*x) is also mentioned.
  • #1
griokin
if an 450lb cart has 16 inches of travel and is fully extended under its own weight, it sinks 3 inches with me, 125 lbs addition, can this info get a spring constant and a drop height where the springs would bottom out with me in it? if any other info is needed, assume the best case dealy-bob and put it in with an answer.
 
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  • #2
What do you mean by "16 inches of travel". I don't have a clear picture of the situation you're describing.

Hooke's law is F=k*x, where x is the displacement, k is the spring constant, and F is the force.
 
  • #3
the 16 inches of travel could mean several things. from the information given thus far, i am going to assume the cart can drop 16 inches before it bottoms out. now we must look at how the sping is connected. if the spring is a coil inbetween the weel and cart, a direct relationship can be used here. but if the spring is connected to an A-arm, we can say the relationship of the angle [the] that the arm is allowed to move to the arm is 2Rarm (sin[the] /2)= 16 inches or [the] /2=arcsin (8 inches / Rarm ) ; and now we must consider how and where the spring is attatched to find out exactly how much force is required. So to answer the question, you did not give enough information to calculate it.
 
Last edited:

1. What is a spring constant and why is it important?

A spring constant, also known as the force constant, is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It determines the amount of force required to stretch or compress a spring by a certain distance. It is an important parameter in understanding the behavior of a spring and its ability to store and release energy.

2. How is the spring constant calculated?

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

3. What factors affect the spring constant?

The spring constant can be affected by the material and design of the spring, as well as the temperature and environment in which it is used. It can also be affected by the initial tension or compression of the spring.

4. Can the spring constant change over time?

Yes, the spring constant can change over time due to factors such as wear and tear, temperature changes, and stress on the spring. It is important to regularly check and recalibrate the spring constant if necessary.

5. How does the drop height affect the spring constant?

The drop height does not directly affect the spring constant, but it can affect the amount of force applied to the spring, which in turn can affect the displacement and ultimately the spring constant. It is important to keep the drop height consistent when conducting experiments to accurately measure the spring constant.

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