Determining the Spring Constant, k, with a Vertically Hanging Mass

The video tutorial explains how to determine the spring constant of a vertically hanging spring. It begins with a problem statement involving a spring extended by a mass. The tutorial covers converting measurements to SI units, drawing a free body diagram, and understanding forces acting on the spring. It explains the spring force equation, emphasizing the importance of direction and vector properties. The tutorial uses Newton's second law to solve for the spring constant, highlighting common mistakes in direction determination. The session concludes with a recap of the key learning points.

What is the natural length of the spring in the problem?

• 5.4 centimeters

• 11.4 centimeters

• 25 grams

• 0.06 meters

Which force is NOT acting on the hanging mass according to the free body diagram?

• Force of light

• Force normal

• Force of gravity

• Spring force

What does the negative sign in the spring force equation indicate?

• The spring force is greater than gravity

• The spring force is zero

• The spring force is opposite to the direction of displacement

• The spring force is in the same direction as displacement

According to Newton's second law, what is the net force in the Y direction when the mass is at rest?

• Equal to mass times acceleration

• Zero

• Equal to the force of gravity

• Equal to the spring force

Why do we use the magnitude of the spring force equation in calculations?

• To avoid reversing the direction of the spring force

• To include the negative sign again

• To match the force of gravity

• To simplify the equation

What is the displacement from the equilibrium position in meters?

• 0.054 meters

• 0.114 meters

• 0.060 meters

• 0.025 meters

What is the calculated spring constant in Newtons per meter?

• 5.4 N/m

• 0.025 N/m

• 4.1 N/m

• 9.81 N/m