Question

A spring with a spring constant of 80 N/m is at rest and is attached to a block. If the block (attached to the end of the spring) is moved from 0.6 m to 0.4 m and then let go, what will be the spring force exerted on the block? Rightward is positive.

Answer 1

–I6 N

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Spring constant (K) = 80 N/m

Initial position = 0.6 m

Final position = 0.4 m

Force (F) =?

Next, we shall determine the compression of the spring. This can be obtained as follow:

Initial position = 0.6 m

Final position = 0.4 m

Compression (x) =?

Compression = Final position – Initial position

Compression (x) = 0.4 – 0.6

Compression (x) = – 0.2 m

Finally, we shall determine the force. This can be obtained as follow:

Spring constant (K) = 80 N/m

Compression (x) = – 0.2 m

Force (F) =?

F = Kx

F = 80 × –0.2

F = –I6 N