Question

Patricia places 1500g of fruit on a scale compressing it by 0.02m. What is the force constant of the spring on the scale. Hint: you need 2 equations to solve this.

Answer 1

The force constant of the spring is 735 N/m.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is given that,

Mass of fruit, m = 1500 g = 1.5 kg

Compression in the scale, x = 0.02 m

We need to find the force constant of the spring on the scale. The force acting on the scale is given by using Hooke's law. So,

`F=-kx`

Also, F = mg

`mg=kx`

k is force constant

`k=(mg)/(x)\\\\k=(1.5* 9.8)/(0.02)\\\\k=735\ N/m`

So, the force constant of the spring is 735 N/m.