Question

The shock absorber on a car is a very large spring. If Abra's car hits a pothole with 600 pounds of force and the shock absorber compresses 3 inches, what is its spring constant in pounds per inch?

a.)200
b.)600
c.)20
d.)1,800

Answer 1

The spring constant (k) can be calculated using Hooke's Law which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its extension or compression. The equation is given by: F = kx where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement. The spring constant of the shock absorber is 200 pounds per inch.

Step-by-step explanation:

The spring constant (k) can be calculated using Hooke's Law which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its extension or compression. The equation is given by: F = kx where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

In this case, the force is given as 600 pounds and the compression is 3 inches. Substituting these values into the equation: 600 = k * 3 Solving for k: k = 600/3 = 200 pounds per inch Therefore, the spring constant of the shock absorber is 200 pounds per inch.