To calculate the work done by a force on a spring, we can use the formula:
Work = (1/2) * k * x^2
where:
- Work is the work done by the force,
- k is the spring constant, and
- x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position.
Given that the spring is stretched by 40mm (0.04m) and the force applied is 15N, we still need the spring constant (k) to calculate the work done.
The spring constant represents the stiffness of the spring and can be determined experimentally. Once you have the value of k, you can substitute it into the formula to calculate the work done.