Thomas H. answered • 04/06/20
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Mathematics Tutor
A spring has a spring constant of 200N/m. what force is required to compress it 0.1m?
The force that the spring will exert based on how far it's stretched or compressed is governed by Hook's Law:
FSpring = -k x, where x is the amount that the spring is stretched or compressed from it's equilibrium position, and k is the force constant of the spring.
The force that the spring will exert (which will oppose the compression) is
FSpring = - k x = - (200 N/m) (0.1 m) = -20 N.
So for someone to compress it 0.1 m. they will need to exert a force of 20 N to keep the spring compressed 0.1 m.
