Avertical spring has a length of 0.25 m when a 0.175 kg mass hangs from it, and a length of 0.775 m when a 2.075 kg mass hangs from it. ga. what is the force constant of the spring, in newtons per meter?
b. what is the unloaded length of the spring, in centimeters?

A) 35.5N/m b) 20.1cm

Explanation:

Using Hooke's law;

F = Ke where F is the weight of the object = mass of the object in kg * acceleration due to gravity in m/s^2 and k if the force constant of the spring in N/m and e is the extension of the spring which original length of the spring - new length after extension in meters

For the first body, m*g = K * (0.25- li)

Where li is the initial length of the spring

0.175*9.81 = k(0.25-li)

1.72 = k(0.25-li) as equation 1

For the second body, m *g = K* ( 0.775-li)

2.075*9.81 = k (0.775-li) equation 2

20.36 = k(0.775-li)

Make li subject of the formula;

li = 0.775 - 20.36/k

Substitute for li in equation 1

1.72 = k(0.25- (0.775 - 20.36/k))

1.72 = k ( 0.25 - 0.775 + 20.36/k)

Open the bracket with k

1.72 = 0.25k - 0.775k + 20.36 (since k cancel k)

Collect the like terms:

1.72 - 20.36 = - 0.525k

- 18.64 = -0.525k

Divide both side by -0.525

-18.64/-0.525 = -0.525/-0.525k

K = 35.5N/m

B) substitute for k in using

li = 0.775 - 20.36/k

li = 0.775 - 20.36/35.5

li = 0.775 - 0.574

li = 0.201 in meters

li = 0.201 * 100 centimeters = 20.1cm