Elastic Objects
For a spring, the amount the spring is stretched or compressed (x) is directly proportional to the amount of force applied F = kx k – spring constant Spring constant depends on the individual spring Stiffer spring – higher value of k
Graph For any spring, the graph of F vs x shows a direct proportion Slope is k Units of k = N/m
When the spring is released, it gives off the same amount of force but in the opposite direction Fs = -kx Hooke’s Law
Elasitic Potential Energy Work done by an elastic object PEe = ½ kx2 Since work is a change in energy W = PEe2 - PEe1
Example A vertical spring is stretched by 5.5 cm when a 500g mass is attached to it. a) find the spring constant b) what potential energy is stored by the spring? c) how much work is done in stretching the same spring from 3.0 cm to 10 cm?