Question

In the diagram below, a student compresses the spring in a pop-up toy a distance of 0.020 m. If 0.068 J of energy are stored in the toy, what is the toy’s spring constant? a) 120 N/m b) 170 N/m c) 225 N/m d) 340 N/m

Answer 1

Answer: option d) 340 N/m

Step-by-step explanation:

Energy stored in the spring of the toy,

`E = (1)/(2)kx^2 = 0.068 J` ( given)

Where, k is the spring constant and x is the length of the string after compression.

x = 0.020 m

Then spring constant,
`k = (2E)/(x^2)`

`k = (2* 0.068 J)/((0.020 m)^2) = 340 N/m`

Thus, the spring constant of toy is 340 N/m. Correct option is d.