Chapter 11: Problem 42
A load suspended by a massless spring produces an extension of \(x \mathrm{~cm}\), in equilibrium. When it is cut into two unequal parts, the same load produces an extension of \(7.5 \mathrm{~cm}\) when suspended by the larger part of length \(60 \mathrm{~cm} .\) When it is suspended by the smaller part, the extension is \(5.0 \mathrm{~cm}\). Then (a) \(x=12.5\) (b) \(x=3.0\) (c) the length of the original spring is \(90 \mathrm{~cm}\) (d) the length of the original spring is \(80 \mathrm{~cm}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Problem
Apply Hooke's Law
Calculate Spring Constant Ratios
Solve for Extensions and Original Length
Verify Results
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Spring Constant
In mathematical terms:
- Hooke's Law is expressed as \( F = kx \), where \( F \) is the force applied, \( k \) is the spring constant, and \( x \) is the extension.
- A spring with a high \( k \) will extend less when a given force is applied.
Spring Extension
Here are some key points about spring extension:
- When a load is applied, the extension \( x \) can be calculated using \( x = \frac{F}{k} \), where \( F \) is the applied force and \( k \) is the spring constant.
- The original exercise problem involves a load suspending a spring creating specific extensions such as 7.5 cm and 5.0 cm, based on the part of the spring used.
- The greater the spring extension, the larger the distance the spring stretches compared to its unstressed position.
Equilibrium Position
Consider these points:
- In the original exercise, the spring stretches by \( x \) cm to reach equilibrium with the load.
- The actions of cutting and applying loads to sections of the spring change the equilibrium positions for each part, especially when cut into unequal divisions.
- The equilibrium position is important for calculating the extension and changes when loads change or when the spring is altered.
Spring Division
Here's how division affects the spring:
- Each divided part's spring constant is adjusted based on its length, given by equations like \( k_1 = \frac{kL}{L_1} \), where \( L_1 \) is the new length of one segment.
- The exercise involves dividing a spring into lengths of 60 cm and another part, altering the extension properties for each segment.
- By dividing the spring, each segment responds differently to the same load because \( k \) differs, making it crucial to consider the effects of division in calculations.
Original Spring Length
Here are some significant points involving the original spring length:
- In the exercise, determining the original spring length (90 cm) was crucial to calculating the different extensions experienced by spring segments.
- All segment lengths and extensions add up to derive the total original length, forming a baseline for solving the problem through backward calculation.
- The known original length helps in determining the spring constant \( k \) when the spring is divided, as seen in deriving the exercise solution.