Question

A spring with a spring constant of 400 n/m has a mass hung on it so that it stretches 10 cm. calculate how much mass the spring is supporting?

Answer 1

4.1 kg

Step-by-step explanation:

We'll begin by calculating the force acting on the spring.

• Spring constant (K) = 400 N/m
• Extension (e) = 10 cm = 10/100 = 0.10 m

• Force (F) =?

F = Ke

F = 400 × 0.10

F = 40 N

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

• Force (F) = 40 N
• Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²

• Mass (m) =?

m = F / g

m = 40 / 9.8

m = 4.1

Therefore, the mass the spring is supporting is 4.1 kg