Question

A 0.450 kg air-track glider is attached to each end of the track by two coil springs. It takes a horizontal force of 0.900 N to displace the glider to a new equilibrium position, X= 0.050 m. Find the effective spring constant of the system.

Answer 1

The effective spring constant of the system can be calculated using Hooke's Law, which results in a spring constant of 18 N/m.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the effective spring constant of the system, we can use Hooke's Law, which states that the force (F) needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance (X) is proportional to that distance.

The formula is given by F = kX, where k is the spring constant. In this case, the force given is 0.900 N and the displacement is 0.050 m. Substituting the given values into Hooke's Law, we can solve for the spring constant (k) as follows:

0.900 N = k × 0.050 m

k = 0.900 N / 0.050 m

k = 18 N/m

Therefore, the effective spring constant of the system is 18 N/m.