An object of mass 12.0 kg is placed on the pan of a spring-powered scale. The spring constant of the scale is 31.3 N/cm. What distance will the spring be compressed?
F= mg = 12x9.8 =117.6N. According to Hooke's law, F =kx. x =F/k =117.6/31.3 = 3.75cm. So compression in the spring is 3.75cm.
Answer:
Distance, x = 3.75 cm
Explanation:
Given that,
Mass of the object, m = 12 kg
Spring constant of the scale, k = 31.3 N/cm
To find,
The distance compressed by the spring.
Solution,
We know that Hooke's law is used to find the force and the distance compressed. Its mathematical expression is given by :
\(F=-kx\)
\(x=\dfrac{F}{k}\)
\(x=\dfrac{mg}{k}\)
\(x=\dfrac{12\ kg\times 9.8\ m/s^2}{31.3\ N/cm}\)
x = 3.75 cm
So, the spring will be compressed to a distance of 3.75 cm.