All Flashcards
What is the difference between displacement and length in spring problems?
Displacement (Δx) is the change in length from the equilibrium position, while length is the total length of the spring.
Compare a spring with a high spring constant to one with a low spring constant.
High k: Stiffer, requires more force for the same displacement. | Low k: Less stiff, requires less force for the same displacement.
Compare stretching a spring vs. compressing a spring.
Stretching: Positive Δx, spring pulls back. | Compressing: Negative Δx, spring pushes back.
Compare the spring force at maximum displacement vs. at equilibrium.
Maximum displacement: Spring force is maximum. | Equilibrium: Spring force is zero.
Compare the energy stored in a stretched spring vs. a compressed spring (same |Δx|).
Stretched: Stores potential energy. | Compressed: Stores potential energy. Both store the same amount of potential energy if |Δx| is the same.
What is the difference between ideal and non-ideal springs?
Ideal springs have negligible mass and perfectly obey Hooke's Law. Non-ideal springs have mass and may not perfectly obey Hooke's Law.
Compare springs in series and springs in parallel regarding their stiffness.
Springs in series are more compliant (less stiff). Springs in parallel are stiffer.
How does displacement relate to force in springs arranged in series versus parallel?
In series, total displacement is the sum of individual displacements. In parallel, the total force is the sum of individual forces.
What is the effect of stretching a spring?
The spring exerts a restoring force inwards, pulling back towards its equilibrium position.
What is the effect of compressing a spring?
The spring exerts a restoring force outwards, pushing back towards its equilibrium position.
What happens to the equivalent spring constant when more springs are added in parallel?
The equivalent spring constant increases, making the system stiffer.
What happens to the equivalent spring constant when more springs are added in series?
The equivalent spring constant decreases, making the system more compliant.
What is the effect of the negative sign in Hooke's Law?
The spring force always opposes the displacement.