Spring potential energy equation k is the spring constant. It is a proportionality constant that describes the relationship between the strain (deformation) in the spring and the force that causes it. Its value is always real and positive.

Launcher The Projectile Launcher is used to investigate important concepts in two- dimensional kinematics. A steel ball placed in the launch barrel can be projected for different launch velocities and launch angles. Upon setting the desired angle and range, the hand pump is then used to pressurize the system.

elastic potential energy (E e) is measured in joules (J) spring constant (k) is measured in newtons per metre (N/m) extension (e), referring to the increase in length, is measured in metres (m)

Since k is the spring constant it doesn’t depend on the mass of the object attached to it, but here m signifies the mass of the object.

The spring constant can be determined based on four parameters: Wire diameter: the diameter of the wire comprising the spring. Coil diameter: the diameter of each coil, measuring the tightness of the coil. Free length: the length of the spring when at rest.

Stiffer (more difficult to stretch) springs have higher spring constants. The displacement of an object is a distance measurement that describes that change from the normal, or equilibrium, position.

The spring constant, k, is a measure of the stiffness of the spring. It is different for different springs and materials. The larger the spring constant, the stiffer the spring and the more difficult it is to stretch.

Mathematically, Hooke’s law states that the applied force F equals a constant k times the displacement or change in length x, or F = kx. The value of k depends not only on the kind of elastic material under consideration but also on its dimensions and shape. Sometimes Hooke’s law is formulated as F = −kx.

The physical significance of k is that it provides a measure of the amount of energy (i.e., heat) corresponding to the random thermal motions of the particles making up a substance. For a classical system at equilibrium at temperature T, the average energy per degree of freedom is kT/2.

The spring force is called a restoring force because the force exerted by the spring is always in the opposite direction to the displacement. This is why there is a negative sign in the Hooke’s law equation. Pulling down on a spring stretches the spring downward, which results in the spring exerting an upward force.

The minus sign indicates that the spring force is always opposite in direction to the displacement of its free end. So the work done by a spring force is always negative.