In a control system, an accelerometer consists of a 5.15-g object sliding on a calibrated horizontal rail. A low-mass spring attaches the object to a flange at one end of the rail. Grease on the rail makes static friction negligible, but rapidly damps out vibrations of the sliding object. When subject to a steady acceleration of 0.864g, the object should be at a location 0.465 cm away from its equilibrium position. Find the force constant of the spring required for the calibration to be correct

Answer 1

In a control system, an accelerometer consists of a
4.70-g object sliding on a calibrated horizontal rail. A
low-mass spring attaches the object to a flange at one
end of the rail.

Answer 2

the force on the object is
F = ma = 0.00511 kg*0.824 m/s^2 = 0.00421 N
and k = N/s = 0.00421 N/0.0455 m = 0.09254 N/m