Question

A o.400 Kg object is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 117N/m. The other end of the spring is attached to a wall.The spring rests on a frictionless horizontal surface. A force is exerted on the spring, causing it to compress by a distance of 7.0 cm.

a) What force is exerted on the spring?

Answer 1

i think it's a potential energy but how do i calculate it?

Answer 2

remember F=kx?

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

hookie's law?

Answer 5

yeah

Answer 6

nice

Answer 7

so you have k and x. Find F

Answer 8

wait hold on. since im pressing the object. shouldn't it be F = -kx?

Answer 9

Assuming right is the positive direction and left is the negative.

Answer 10

btw it's te potential energy that i'm using the press the object right?

Answer 11

yes if you consider right to be the positive direction. however we mostly use a + or - sign when we are dealing with multiple forces on a system. I am not discouraging you to use it all the time tho, its a good habit. But i think all you need is the magnitude of the force here.

Answer 12

yes its potential energy. Spring potential energy to be more exact

Answer 13

ok so i'll just go with what you said. F = kx

Answer 14

let me do the question right here...wait let me draw real quick

Answer 15

shoot i cant draw :/

Answer 16

So F = kx
F = 117 N/m X 0.07 m
F = 8.19 N

Answer 17

yes

Answer 18

oh wow *~*

Answer 19

Thanks. Please stay here.

Answer 20

no problem. youre welcome.

Answer 21

wait. can i call the spring potential energy.....elastic potential energy?

Answer 22

i dont think it's true.....

Answer 23

yes ofcourse. :)

Answer 24

oh ok thanks

Answer 25

elastic PE is the energy stored by deformation of an elastic object which is what a spring is

Answer 26

but it says " A force is exerted on the spring, causing it to compress by a distance of 7.0 cm."

Answer 27

it's k i got it.

Answer 28

next question. :)

Answer 29

:D