Final answer:
To calculate the spring constant, you need to convert the mass to force using the formula F = m * g. Once you have calculated the force, you can plug it into the spring constant formula k = F / x.
Step-by-step explanation:
The force constant, also known as the spring constant, can be calculated using Hooke's Law which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to how much it stretches or compresses.
The formula to calculate the spring constant is:
k = F / x
where F is the force applied to the spring and x is the displacement or stretch of the spring.
In this case, a mass of 2.1 kg is attached to the spring and it stretches the spring 6.2 cm from its original equilibrium position. To calculate the spring constant, you need to convert the mass to force using the formula:
F = m * g
where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2).
Once you have calculated the force, you can plug it into the spring constant formula to find the answer.