Suppose a 0.74-kg mass on a spring that has been compressed 0.100 m has elastic potential energy of 1.20 J.What is the spring constant?
A)178 N/m
B)320 N/m
C)240 N/m
D)24.0 N/m
E)74.0 N/m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula for elastic potential energy is

EPE = 1/2*k*x^2

where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from equilibrium.

We are given EPE = 1.20 J and x = 0.100 m, and we can calculate k as

k = 2*EPE/x^2

Plugging in the values, we get

k = 2*1.20 J / (0.100 m)^2 = 240 N/m

Therefore, the spring constant is 240 N/m, which corresponds to choice C.