Final answer:
To find the work required to stretch the spring an additional 6 centimeters, we need to consider the potential energy stored in the spring. We can use the formula U = 1/2kx^2 to calculate the potential energy at the initial and final positions and find the difference in potential energy, which represents the work required.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the work required to stretch the spring an additional 6 centimeters, we need to consider the potential energy stored in the spring. The potential energy stored in a spring can be calculated using the equation U = 1/2kx^2, where U is the potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
In this case, the spring is initially stretched 6 centimeters from its natural position, so the initial displacement is 6 centimeters. The work required to stretch the spring an additional 6 centimeters is equal to the difference in potential energy between the final and initial positions.
Since the initial displacement is 6 centimeters, we can use the formula U = 1/2kx^2 to find the potential energy at this position. We are given that the force necessary to hold the spring at this position is 1200 dynes, so we can use the equation F = kx to find the spring constant.
Then, we can calculate the potential energy at the final position by plugging in the values of the spring constant and displacement into the formula U = 1/2kx^2. The work required to stretch the spring an additional 6 centimeters is equal to the difference in potential energy between the final and initial positions.