Two identical springs with spring constant 50 N/m support a 5.0 N weight as in the picture below. What is the change in length of each spring when the weight is hung on the springs?
A) 2.9 cm
B) 5.0 cm
C) 5.8 cm
D) 7.5 cm
E) 10.0 cm

Question

Two identical springs with spring constant 50 N/m support a 5.0 N weight as in the picture below. What is the change in length of each spring when the weight is hung on the springs? 
A) 2.9 cm 
B) 5.0 cm 
C) 5.8 cm 
D) 7.5 cm 
E) 10.0 cm

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the weight is hung on the springs, each spring will experience a force of 2.5 N (half of the total weight). The change in length of a spring is given by:

ΔL = F/k

where ΔL is the change in length, F is the applied force, and k is the spring constant.

For each of the two springs, we have:

ΔL = 2.5 N / 50 N/m = 0.05 m = 5.0 cm

Therefore, the total change in length of both springs is 10.0 cm, indicated by choice C.

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