Physics

Problem

A light spring is hung vertically and found to extend by

5\,\text{cm}

when a force of

4\,\text{N}

is applied. a. (i) Calculate the spring constant of the spring in SI units. b. (ii) Determine the potential energy stored in the spring for this extension. c. (iii) If the same spring is compressed by

5\,\text{cm}

instead of being stretched, how much potential energy is stored? Give a reason for your answer.

Intuitive explanation

The key here is Hooke's Law: a spring's extension is proportional to the force applied, with the proportionality constant being the spring constant $k$ . Once you find $k$ from the given force and extension, you can use it to solve for any other force or extension on that same spring. Think of $k$ as the spring's "stiffness"—a measure of how much it resists being stretched.

Intuitive explanation

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