All Flashcards
What happens when a spring is stretched (positive Δx)?
The spring exerts a force pulling it back towards its equilibrium position (negative force).
What happens when a spring is compressed (negative Δx)?
The spring exerts a force pushing it back towards its equilibrium position (positive force).
What is the effect of increasing the spring constant (k)?
The spring becomes stiffer, requiring more force to stretch or compress it by the same amount.
What is the effect of stretching a spring beyond its elastic limit?
The spring will deform permanently and not return to its original length.
What is the effect of the negative sign in Hooke's Law?
The spring force always opposes the direction of displacement, acting as a restoring force.
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 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.