Question

A 200g mass is attached to a spring, of spring constant, k. The spring is compressed, 15cm from its equilibrium value. When released, the mass reaches a speed of 5m/s. What is the spring constant (in N/m)?

Answer 1

The spring constant is 222.2 N/m

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

mass of the spring, m = 200 g = 0.2 kg

extension of the spring, x = 15 cm = 0.15 m

speed of the mass, v = 5 m/s

spring constant, k = ?

Apply law of conservation of energy;

¹/₂kx² = ¹/₂mv²

k = mv² / x²

k = (0.2 x 5²) / (0.15²)

k = 222.2 N/m

Therefore, the spring constant is 222.2 N/m