All Flashcards
How do you calculate the equivalent spring constant for springs in series?
Use the formula:
How do you calculate the equivalent spring constant for springs in parallel?
Use the formula:
What is the first step in solving a problem involving spring forces?
Draw a free-body diagram showing all forces acting on the object, including the spring force.
What is a restoring force?
A force that acts to bring an object back to its equilibrium position.
Define the spring constant (k).
A measure of a spring's stiffness; higher k means a stiffer spring. Measured in N/m.
What is the equilibrium position of a spring?
The spring's natural resting position when no external forces are acting on it; net force is zero.
Define Δx in the context of spring forces.
Δx is the change in the spring's length from its relaxed (equilibrium) length, measured in meters.
What is Hooke's Law?
The relationship between the force exerted by an ideal spring and its change in length: F = -kΔx.
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.