An ideal spring has a compression force constant of 40 N/m.
a) Use the grid provide to draw a force-compression graph for the spring.
Ok so the x-axis says Compression (m) and has 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4.
The y-axis has Force(N).
I used F = kx to get the following coordinates:
(.1,4)
(,2,8)
(.3,12)
(.4,16).
Is that right?
b) Use the graph to determine how much work is done in compressing the spring from
i) 0.0 to 0.1m
ii) 0.1 to 0.2m
OK so if u use W = Fx,
then you get for i) W = 0.1 x 4 = .4 J
But if u work it out like this:
Us = 1/2 kx^2, u get something else:
1/2 x 40 x .1^2
= .2 J?
So which equation is correct? I'm assuming my teacher wants me to use the first equation, because she specifically says 'Use the graph to determine...' but is it right? Why don't the two equations match up???
If u could explain the concept and why I'm getting it wrong, that would be great thanks!!
2007-08-18
16:54:11
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5 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Physics