A man weighing 600N steps on a scale that contains a spring. The spring is compressed 1cm under their weight. Find the force constant of the spring and total work done on its compression.

relevant equations: F = k*x      F is force, k is spring constant and x is displacement from equillibrium.

W = 1/2kx2      W is work done.

rearranging F = k*x and using the information in the question we can solve for the spring constant: k = -600N/0.01m = 60000N/m. Remember to convert cm to m.

To find the work done we substitue the spring constant and the displacement distance of 10cm in to the equation for work done remembering to convert to SI units.  W = 1/2*(60000N/m)(-0.01m)2 = 3J.

So the spring constant k is equal to 60000N/m and the work done is 3J

TC
Answered by Tabraiz C. Physics tutor

13684 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how standing waves are formed and explain why nodes and antinodes are formed.


(ii) Describe and explain how the horizontal component of the water jet varies from point X to point Y. (2 marks)


What is natural frequency and how is it associated with resonance?


Describe and explain the first stages of the life cycle of a star before it reaches the main sequence.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences