A(n) 96.1 g ball is dropped from a height of 59.1 cm above a spring of negligible mass. The ball compresses the spring to a maximum displacement of 4.75403 cm. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. Calculate the spring force constant k. Answer in units of N/

Explanation:

Mass of ball Is m=96.1g=0.0961kg

Height above spring is 59.1cm

L=0.591m

Extension of the spring is 4.75403cm

e=0.0475403m

Then the distance the ball traveled is H=L+e

H=0.591+0.0475403

H=0.6385403m

Then, the potential energy of the ball is given as

P.E=mgh

P.E=0.0961×9.81×0.6385403

P.E=0.602J

From conservation of energy, energy cannot be created nor destroy but can be transferred from one form to another

Then, the P.E is transferred to the work done by the spring

Then, Work done by spring is given as

W=½ke²

W=P.E=½×k×0.0475403²

0.602=½×k×0.0475403²

k=0.602×2/0.0475403²

k=532.72N/m

The spring constant is 532.72 N/m

see earlier

this could be newton#'s law of cooling. the cooling curve is exponential