A glider attached to a horizontal spring oscillates on a horizontal air track. The total mechanical energy of the oscillation is 0.00500 J, the amplitude of the oscillation is 0.0300 m, and the maximum speed of the glider is 0.145 m/s. What is the force constant of the spring

The force constant of the spring is 11.11 N/m.

Explanation:

Given;

mechanical energy of the oscillation, E = 0.005 J

amplitude of the oscillation, A = 0.03 m

maximum speed of the glider, V = 0.145 m/s

Energy is conserved in simple harmonic motion, the total mechanical energy is given as;

E = ¹/₂kA²

Where;

A is the amplitude of the oscillation

k is the force constant

Make k the subject of the formula, from the equation above;

kA² = 2E

k = 2E / A²

k = (2 x 0.005) / (0.03²)

k = 11.11 N/m

Therefore, the force constant of the spring is 11.11 N/m.