Question

Molecules like DNA may be stretched and are well modeled as springs. An optical trap can pull with a maximum force of 11\; fN11fN (femto-Newtons) and can stretch a DNA molecule by 0.06\; \mu m0.06μm . What is the spring constant of the molecule?

Answer 1

1.8 x 10⁻⁷ N/m

Step-by-step explanation:

`F_(max)` = maximum force with which the optical trap can pull = 11 x 10⁻¹⁵ N

x = stretch caused in DNA molecule due to the force = 0.06 x 10⁻⁶ m

k = spring constant of the spring

Maximum force is given as

`F_(max)= k x`

`11* 10^(-15)= k (0.06* 10^(-6))`

k = 1.8 x 10⁻⁷ N/m