A(n) 51.9 g ball is dropped from a height of
58.4 cm above a spring of negligible mass.
The ball compresses the spring to a maximum
displacement of 4.80879 cm.The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Calculate the spring force constant k. Answer in units of N/m.

Question

A(n) 51.9 g ball is dropped from a height of
58.4 cm above a spring of negligible mass.
The ball compresses the spring to a maximum
displacement of 4.80879 cm.The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Calculate the spring force constant k. Answer in units of N/m.

anonymous · Answer

Can you use the formula H=(1/2*k*x^2)/mg to find k.... I'm given everything else, so it seems logical. Just make sure I convert cm>m and g>kg? Right?

jamesj · Answer

Yes.  Just make sure you convert all of the change in gravitational potential energy (i.e., the part associated with the 58.4 cm and the 4.8 cm) into spring energy.