To calculate the Spring Constant (k):
\[ F = k \times x \]
Rearranging the formula:
\[ k = \frac{F}{x} \]
Where:
A spring constant is a measure of a spring’s ability to resist compression and elongation. The higher the spring constant, the harder it is to compress or stretch it. This value is also a measure of elasticity. The higher the elasticity, the lower the spring constant. The force and displacement are proportional, so if graphed against one another, it would yield a straight line. The negative sign in the equation accounts for the direction of displacement. Displacement can be positive if the spring is being pulled in tension or negative if the spring is being compressed.
Given:
Using the formula:
\[ k = \frac{10}{0.5} = 20 \text{ N/m} \]
The spring constant is 20 N/m.
Given:
Using the formula:
\[ k = \frac{15}{0.3} = 50 \text{ N/m} \]
The spring constant is 50 N/m.
