Answer:
The energy stored in the spring is 0.03 Joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy stored in a spring can be calculated using Hooke's Law and the formula for potential energy stored in a spring:
Potential Energy = 0.5 * k * x^2
Where:
k is the spring constant (also known as the stiffness constant)
x is the displacement from the equilibrium position
First, let's calculate the spring constant (k) using the given information:
Initial length of the spring (unstretched) = 30 cm = 0.30 m
Final length of the spring (stretched) = 40 cm = 0.40 m
Displacement (x) = 0.40 m - 0.30 m = 0.10 m
Now, we can calculate the spring constant (k) using Hooke's Law:
F = -k * x
Where F is the force applied and x is the displacement. In this case, the force applied (load) is 60 N and the displacement is 0.10 m:
60 N = -k * 0.10 m
k = -60 N / 0.10 m
k = -600 N/m
[Note: The negative sign indicates that the force exerted by the spring is in the opposite direction to the displacement.]
Now that we have the spring constant, we can calculate the potential energy stored in the spring using the formula:
Potential Energy = 0.5 * k * x^2
Potential Energy = 0.5 * (-600 N/m) * (0.10 m)^2
Potential Energy = 0.5 * 600 N/m * 0.01 m
Potential Energy = 3 N * 0.01 m
Potential Energy = 0.03 Joules
So, the energy stored in the spring is 0.03 Joules.