In: Physics
Two objects are said to be in parallel when they both act on the system in the same way, e.g., two forces are in parallel if they have the same direction and are applied at the same point. A light rod of length 40.1 cm is held aloft from the ceiling by two springs attached to its ends. The left spring has a stiffness of 20 kg/s2 and equilibrium length of 27.9 cm and the right spring has a stiffness of 21.8 kg/s2 and equilibrium length of 21 cm. A ring weighing 637 g is placed 21.8 cm from the left spring.
(a) How much does the left spring stretch?
(b) How much does the right spring stretch?
Now, mathematically slide the ring to the point that levels the
rod.
(c) At what distance from the left spring should you place the ring
in order for the rod to be level?
(d) How far from the ceiling is the rod when it's level?
Now consider modelling the two springs as if there were only one
spring that held the ring aloft.
(e) What is the equilibrium length of the spring?
(f) How much does the spring stretch when the ring is placed on it?
(g) What is the stiffness of the spring?