Question

The potential energy, P, in a spring is represented using the formula P = kx2. Lupe uses an equivalent equation, which is solved for k, to determine the answers to her homework.

Which equation should she use?

k = 2Px2
k = Px2
k = 2p/x2
k = p/2x2

Answer 1

k = 2p/x^2 You should use this equation.

Answer 2

Original equation is
`P=kx^(2)`

So,
`kx^(2) =P` and

`k=(P)/(x^(2) )`

If we compare this equation with the given options, we can easily find that this matches with the last one
`k=(p)/(2x^(2) )` with P = p/2.

Hence, correct option is
`k=(p)/(2x^(2) )`.