Calculating the Work Done to Stretch a Spring by 15 cm: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to calculate the work done on a spring using Hooke's Law in this concise tutorial.

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To calculate the work done to stretch a spring by 15 cm, you need to use Hooke's Law: Work = 0.5 k x^2. Here, ‘k’ is the spring constant, and ‘x’ is the displacement. Without the spring constant ‘k’, we cannot provide a specific answer. Determine the spring constant, then plug the values into the formula to get the work done.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Hooke's Law? Hooke's Law states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance. It can be expressed as F = kx, where 'F' is the force applied, 'k' is the spring constant, and 'x' is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
  2. How is the spring constant ‘k’ determined? The spring constant 'k' can be determined by measuring how much force is needed to stretch or compress a spring by a known distance. This can be calculated using Hooke’s Law: k = F/x, where 'F' is the force applied and 'x' is the displacement.
  3. What is work done in stretching a spring? The work done in stretching a spring is the energy required to stretch or compress it from its natural length. It can be calculated using the formula: Work = 0.5 * k * x^2, where 'k' is the spring constant and 'x' is the displacement.
  4. What units are used for measuring work, spring constant, and displacement? Work is typically measured in joules (J), the spring constant 'k' in newtons per meter (N/m), and displacement 'x' in meters (m).