Two identical springs with spring constant 50 N/m support a 5.0 N weight as in the picture below. What is the tension in spring A?
A) 1.45 N
B) 2.50 N
C) 2.89 N
D) 3.75 N
E) 5.00 N

Question

Two identical springs with spring constant 50 N/m support a 5.0 N weight as in the picture below. What is the tension in spring A? 
A) 1.45 N 
B) 2.50 N 
C) 2.89 N 
D) 3.75 N 
E) 5.00 N

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the weight is supported by two identical springs and is at rest, we know that the tension in both springs must be equal. Therefore, the tension in both spring A and spring B is 2.5 N.

Now, we need to analyze the forces acting on spring A to determine the tension. The weight exerts a force of 5N downwards, while spring B exerts a force of 2.5N upwards. Therefore, in order to keep the weight at rest, spring A must exert a force of 2.5N upwards. This means that the tension in spring A is also 2.5 N.

Thus, the total tension in both spring A and spring B is 5.0N (2.5N + 2.5N).

Two Identical Springs with Spring Constant 50 N/m Support a 5.0