Question

An archer pulls her bowstring back 0.370 m by exerting a force that increases uniformly from zero to 264 N. (a) What is the equivalent spring constant of the bow?

Answer 1

713.51 N/m

Step-by-step explanation:

Hook's Law: This law states that provided the elastic limit is not exceeded, the extension in an elastic material is directly proportional to the applied force.

From hook's law,

F = ke ...........................Equation 1

Where F = Force exerted on the bowstring, e = Extension/compression of the bowstring, k = Spring constant of the bow.

Make k the subject of the equation,

k = F/e ............................ Equation 2

Given: F = 264 N, e = 0.37 m.

Substitute into equation 2

k = 264/0.37

k = 713.51 N/m

Hence the spring constant of the bow = 713.51 N/m