The suspension system of a 1700 kg automobile "sags" 7.7 cm when the chassis is placed on it. Also, the oscillation amplitude decreases by 37% each cycle. Estimate the values of

a. The spring constant k.
b. The damping constant b for the spring and shock absorber system of one wheel, assuming each wheel supports 425 kg.

the spring constant k =

the value for the damping constant

Explanation:

From Hooke's Law

Thus; the spring constant k =

The amplitude is decreasing 37% during one period of the motion

Therefore; the value for the damping constant

see the picture for the vector

the magnitude of the vector by pythagorean theorem

r = √( (-10)^2 + (3)^2 ) = √109

magnitude = √109 units

the direction angle between vector and x-axis is

tan^(-1)(3/10) = 16.699

so the direction is approximately 16.7 degrees north of west