Final answer:
This question relates to Physics, asking for the determination of the spring constant (k) for a spring compressed 2.54 cm by a 12 N force using Hooke's Law. The force constant of the spring is 4.72 N/cm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The force constant of a spring can be calculated using Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. The formula for Hooke's Law is:
F = kx
Where F is the force exerted by the spring, k is the force constant, and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. To find the force constant, we can rearrange the formula:
k = F/x
In the given question, a force of 12 N is used to compress the spring by 2.54 cm. Plugging these values into the formula:
k = 12 N / 2.54 cm = 4.72 N/cm
Therefore, the force constant for the spring is 4.72 N/cm.