Question

A mass is suspended from the end of a spring. When the system is oscillating the amplitude of oscillation is $4cm$ and the maximum kinetic energy of oscillation of the system is $1joule$. Then the force constant of the spring is:

• A. $2500N/m$
• B. $1250N/m$
• C. $500N/m$
• D. $250N/m$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$1250N/m$

By energy conservation, maximum kinetic energy is equal to the potential energy of the spring at maximum elongation since kinetic energy is zero at maximum elongation.

Hence, $1=\frac{1}{2}k{\left(0.04\right)}^2$

$k=1250N/m$