Applying Hooke's Law |
So you have the formula F=Ks, but what are you going to do with it? Well, let's see... |
First, we've got to know how to find the K or the Elastic Constant And we've been given the following information: EX1. A 5kg weight is placed on a spring and the spring is stretched .5 meters. Then a 7kg weight is placed on the same spring and the spring is stretched 1 meter. Finally, a 9kg weight is placed on the same spring and it is stretched 1.5 meters. Find the Elastic Constant of the spring. |
Solution: To find K, we will plot a graph of Force vs. Distance Force is determined by the mass of the object times gravity (approx. 10m/s) ex. F= (5kg) x (10m/s) F= 50 kg m/s |
The slope of the graph we have just created will
then be our K, the elastic constant |