Help with spring constant units

samedi 28 septembre 2013

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Part 1 (static method): We measured the displacement of a spring (in cm) after adding and subtracting masses (in g). The spring was placed in a vertical position. I am supposed to find the spring constant ks.



Part 2 (dynamic method): We did something similar to the above, but we lifted the spring a bit so it would bounce. We then counted the number of oscillations of the spring for 20 seconds each time we changed the masses put on the spring. I am then supposed to find kd.



2. Relevant equations

Hooke's law: F = kx

units of k = N/m (kg/s2)

ks = Sg



3. The attempt at a solution

I created a graph and found S + ΔS = 25.3 ± 0.10 g/cm



However, it's the equation ks = Sg that's messing me up. My instructions don't tell me what I'm supposed to do with g. I have no idea why it's stuck in there. According to this equation, ks ± Δks = 25.3 ± 0.10 g2/cm, but that doesn't seem to make any sense. How am I supposed to end up with the units of kg/s2 when I won't have any of those units until part 2? And if these are not the units I'm supposed to use, how do I know if I do have the correct units?






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