How can I calculate the spring constant given only the following:
equilibrium length of spring: 10.5 cm
stretched length of spring (by attaching a mass): 12.5 cm
object's mass: 198.9 grams
-please help me...I'm really lost...
You need to assume that the measurement was made at a place where the accleration of gravity = g. On the surface of the Earth, that value is 9.8 m/s^2. The force stretching the spring is them
F = m g = 0.1989 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = ? Newtons
To get the spring constant k, divide F by the strech amount: 0.020 m (which is 20 cm)
The dimensions of your answer will be N/m
k = m g / (change in length)