Question

A 20-newton weight is attached to a spring.

causing it to stretch, as shown in the diagram.
What is the spring constant of this spring?

Answer 1

40 N/m

Step-by-step explanation:

The diagram attached is used to answer the question

We know from Hooke's law that extension is directly proportional to the applied force hence

F=kx where x is extension, F is applied force and k is the spring constant. Making k the subject of the formula then

`k=\frac {F}{k}`

From the attached diagram extension is given by subtracting unstretched spring from stretched spring hence extension, x=1-0.5=0.5m

Substituting 20 N for F and 0.5 m for x then

`k=\frac {20}{0.5}=40 N/m`