A spring is stretch 40mm by a force of 15N ...what's the work done
To determine the work done on the spring, you can use the formula:
Work = (1/2) * k * x^2
Where:
- Work is the amount of work done on the spring
- k is the spring constant
- x is the displacement or stretch of the spring
In this case, you are given that the spring is stretched by 40mm and the force applied is 15N. However, the spring constant (k) is not provided.
The spring constant can be determined by rearranging Hooke's law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement or stretch:
F = k * x
In this equation:
- F is the force applied
- k is the spring constant
- x is the displacement or stretch of the spring
Rearranging the equation to solve for k:
k = F / x
Substitute the given values:
k = 15N / 40mm
Now that you have the spring constant (k) and displacement (x), you can calculate the work done:
Work = (1/2) * k * x^2
Work = (1/2) * (15N / 40mm) * (40mm)^2
Be sure to convert the stretch from millimeters to meters before completing the calculation.
x = 40 * 10^-3 meters
F = k x
15 = k (40 *10^-3)
k = 15/40 * 10^3 Newtons/meter = 3/8 * 10^3
PE = work done = (1/2) k x^2
= (1/2)(3/8*10^3)(1600*10^-6) Joules