An ideal spring with a force constant (spring constant) of 15 N/m is initially compressed by 3.0 cm from its uncompressed position. How much work is required to compress the spring an additional 4.0 cm?

Answer 1

Potential Energy of the compressed string at x=3.0cm:

W = (1/2)*k*x^2

where k = spring constant = 15 N/m
x = distance = 3.0 cm

W = (1/2)*15*3^2
W = 67.5

Total work:
W_t = (1/2)*k*x^2

where x = 4+3 = 7

W_t= (1/2)*15*7^2
W_t = 367.5

W_t - W = 367.5 - 67.5

Work needed for the additional 4 cm is

300 J

Answer 2

Whoops, I think my units are off because since
k is measured in N/m I need to convert cm to m

Answer should be .03 Joules

Answer 3

Ty