Suppose a 0.3-kg mass on a spring that has been compressed 0.10 m has elastic potential energy of 1 J.What is the spring constant?
A)10 N/m
B)20 N/m
C)200 N/m
D)300 N/m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elastic potential energy stored in a spring can be calculated using the formula:

Elastic potential energy = (1/2) * spring constant * (compression or extension)^2

We are given that the mass on the spring has elastic potential energy of 1 J when the spring is compressed by 0.10 m. Therefore:

1 J = (1/2) * k * (0.10 m)^2

Solving for the spring constant k, we get:

k = (2 * 1 J) / (0.10 m)^2
k = 200 N/m

Therefore, the spring constant is 200 N/m, which corresponds to choice C.