Write a function rule l(w) that models the length of the spring based on the mass of the object in the pan. (use description to answer).

Question

Hooke's law states that the length that a spring is stretched is proportional to the applied force. A pan hangs from a 50 cm spring. When a 10 kg mass is placed in the pan, it stretches the spring 6 cm.

Answer 1

Hooke's law F=kx where F is the force, x is the displacement (stretching/compression) and k is the constant.

In this case, the string is stretched so you use F=ma= weight of the object and x = 6 cm=0.06m

k = 10kg(9.8m/s²)/0.06m = 1.633N/m