A vertical spring is hung from a rigid support in a physics lab
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A vertical spring is hung from a rigid support in a physics lab. When a 0.250 kg mass is gently attached, the spring stretches and comes to rest 3.2 cm below its original unstretched length. Air resistance is negligible.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the upward force exerted by the spring on the mass while the system is at rest.
(b) Determine the numerical value of the spring’s stiffness (spring constant). Express your answer with appropriate units.
(c) If a 0.400 kg mass were hung instead and the spring were still within its elastic limit, predict the new extension from the unstretched length. Show your reasoning.