<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
Nature of spring force is to restore its configuration.

Spring is an arrangement, which is capable to apply force on a body. As we will see, spring force is similar to gravity in many important ways. At the same time, it is different to gravity in one important way that it applies a variable force unlike gravity.

In this module, we shall first outline the characterizing aspects of spring and then develop an expression for work. Subsequently, we shall analyze situations first with spring force alone and then along with other external force(s) on similar line as in the case of work by gravity.

Spring force

Spring force is given by the expression :

F = - k x

Spring

Spring force

where k is spring constant, measured experimentally for a particular spring. The value of k (=-F/x) measures the stiffness of the spring. A high value indicates that we would require to apply greater force to change length of the spring.

This relationship, defining spring force, is also known as “Hooke’s law”, which is valid under two specific conditions :

  • The mass of spring is negligible (and can be neglected).
  • There is no dissipative force (like friction) involved with spring.

The attribute “x” is measured from the position of “neutral length” or “relaxed length” - the length of spring corresponding to situation when spring is neither stretched nor compressed. We shall identify this position as origin of coordinate reference.

The negative sign in the expression indicates an important aspect of the nature of spring force that it is always opposite to the direction of the displacement. It means that it is always directed towards the position at neutral length i.e. origin. See the figure to visualize how spring force is always directed towards origin.

Spring

Spring force is always directed towards origin

Context of spring force

The forces on the body (block) attached to a horizontal spring may include friction, if the surfaces between block and the surface is rough. For the sake of simplicity, however, we shall consider the surface to be smooth. The force due to gravity and normal force are normal to the motion and do not influence force analysis here. As such, we will not consider either friction or gravity, while calculating work for the motion on smooth horizontal surface.

Just like the case of gravity, there are two situations with respect to application of force on a body by the spring.

1: In one case, the body is given a jerk, say towards right and the body is let go. In this case, the only force on the block is spring force. This situation is similar to vertical projection of an object with an initial speed. This case of spring force, therefore, is specified by an initial speed, preferably at the origin as shown in the figure.

Spring

Only force on the block is spring force.

2: In other case, there is external force(s) in addition to spring force. The horizontal force is continuously applied on the block as it moves along the surface. This situation is similar to the case of pulling a lift vertically by string and pulley arrangement. In this case, we may be required to analyze external force with the help of “free body diagram”.

Questions & Answers

I'm interested in biological psychology and cognitive psychology
Tanya Reply
what does preconceived mean
sammie Reply
physiological Psychology
Nwosu Reply
How can I develope my cognitive domain
Amanyire Reply
why is communication effective
Dakolo Reply
Communication is effective because it allows individuals to share ideas, thoughts, and information with others.
effective communication can lead to improved outcomes in various settings, including personal relationships, business environments, and educational settings. By communicating effectively, individuals can negotiate effectively, solve problems collaboratively, and work towards common goals.
it starts up serve and return practice/assessments.it helps find voice talking therapy also assessments through relaxed conversation.
miss
Every time someone flushes a toilet in the apartment building, the person begins to jumb back automatically after hearing the flush, before the water temperature changes. Identify the types of learning, if it is classical conditioning identify the NS, UCS, CS and CR. If it is operant conditioning, identify the type of consequence positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement or punishment
Wekolamo Reply
please i need answer
Wekolamo
because it helps many people around the world to understand how to interact with other people and understand them well, for example at work (job).
Manix Reply
Agreed 👍 There are many parts of our brains and behaviors, we really need to get to know. Blessings for everyone and happy Sunday!
ARC
A child is a member of community not society elucidate ?
JESSY Reply
Isn't practices worldwide, be it psychology, be it science. isn't much just a false belief of control over something the mind cannot truly comprehend?
Simon Reply
compare and contrast skinner's perspective on personality development on freud
namakula Reply
Skinner skipped the whole unconscious phenomenon and rather emphasized on classical conditioning
war
explain how nature and nurture affect the development and later the productivity of an individual.
Amesalu Reply
nature is an hereditary factor while nurture is an environmental factor which constitute an individual personality. so if an individual's parent has a deviant behavior and was also brought up in an deviant environment, observation of the behavior and the inborn trait we make the individual deviant.
Samuel
I am taking this course because I am hoping that I could somehow learn more about my chosen field of interest and due to the fact that being a PsyD really ignites my passion as an individual the more I hope to learn about developing and literally explore the complexity of my critical thinking skills
Zyryn Reply
good👍
Jonathan
and having a good philosophy of the world is like a sandwich and a peanut butter 👍
Jonathan
generally amnesi how long yrs memory loss
Kelu Reply
interpersonal relationships
Abdulfatai Reply
What would be the best educational aid(s) for gifted kids/savants?
Heidi Reply
treat them normal, if they want help then give them. that will make everyone happy
Saurabh
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Physics for k-12. OpenStax CNX. Sep 07, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10322/1.175
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Physics for k-12' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask