Answer:
Spring constant, k = 8740.89 N/m
Explanation:
Given the following data;
Potential energy = 4.2 J
Extension, e = 3.1 cm to meters = 3.1/100 = 0.031 m
To find the spring constant;
Mathematically, the potential energy stored in a spring is given by the formula;
[tex] P.E = \frac {1}{2}Kx^{2} [/tex]
Where;
P.E is potential energy.
K is the spring constant.
x is the extension of the spring.
Substituting into the equation, we have;
[tex] 4.2 = \frac {1}{2}*k*0.031^{2} [/tex]
Cross-multiplying, we have;
[tex] 8.4 = k*0.000961 [/tex]
[tex] k = \frac {8.4}{0.000961} [/tex]
Spring constant, k = 8740.89 N/m