A horizontal spring is attached to a wall on one end and to a force sensor on its free end
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A horizontal spring is attached to a wall on one end and to a force sensor on its free end. The sensor records the force exerted on the spring when the spring is stretched or compressed.
• When the free end is pulled 7.0cm to the right of equilibrium, the sensor reads 4.5N directed to the left.
• The experimental setup is assumed frictionless, and the spring is ideal.
Use these data to answer the questions below.
(a) Determine the spring constant k of the spring.
(b) Find the magnitude of the force the spring would exert if the free end were instead pushed 10.cm to the left of equilibrium.
(c) State whether the displacement in part (b) corresponds to stretching or compressing the spring, and indicate the direction of the restoring force in that case.