Three visually identical horizontal springs—labeled A, B
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
Three visually identical horizontal springs—labeled A, B, and C—are each stretched exactly 5.0cm from their relaxed length on a nearly frictionless surface. A spring scale attached in line with each spring records the magnitudes of the forces required to maintain this displacement:
• spring A: 4.0N
• spring B: 2.0N
• spring C: 6.0N
(a) Rank the three springs from greatest to least stiffness. Clearly state any ties.
(b) Describe the reasoning that supports your ranking, explicitly referencing the relationship among force, displacement, and the constant that characterizes stiffness.
(c) Suppose instead that each spring is compressed 5.0cm from its relaxed length and released. Qualitatively compare the initial magnitudes of the restoring forces for the three springs and justify your answer.