QQuestionPhysics
QuestionPhysics
What are the units for the spring constant, k?
A. newton meters
B. newton seconds
C. newtons/meter
D. newtons/second
E. newtons/seconds^2
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Understand the Spring Constant
The spring constant (k) is a measure of a spring's stiffness. It describes how much force is required to extend or compress a spring by a certain distance.
Step 3:: Recall Hooke's Law
- $$x$$ is the displacement from the spring's equilibrium position
Where:
Step 4:: Analyze the Units
k = \frac{F}{x}
- Force is measured in newtons (N) - Displacement is measured in meters (m) - Rearranging Hooke's Law to solve for k:
Step 5:: Determine the Units
- Units of spring constant: $$\frac{N}{m}$$ (newtons per meter)
- Units of force: newtons (N) - Units of displacement: meters (m)
Final Answer
The spring constant's units are newtons per meter (N/m), which represents the force required to extend or compress a spring by one meter.
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