A spring with a spring constant of 8.0 N/m is compressed to 20 cm. If the spring was uncompressed initially, then the work done (by the compressing force) is
A) 0.12 J.
B) 0.16 J.
C) 0.19 J.
D) 0.22 J.
E) 0.26 J.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done on the spring is calculated using the formula for the work done in compressing or stretching a spring: $W = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$, where $k$ is the spring constant and $x$ is the displacement from the equilibrium position. Substituting $k = 8.0 \, \text{N/m}$ and $x = 0.20 \, \text{m}$ (20 cm = 0.20 m), we get $W = \frac{1}{2} \times 8.0 \, \text{N/m} \times (0.20 \, \text{m})^2 = 0.16 \, \text{J}$.

A Spring with a Spring Constant of 8