tukeywilliam Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 For a vertical spring, if we let [math] x_s [/math] be the total extension of the spring from its equilibrium position without a hanging object, then why does [math] x_s = -\left(\frac{mg}{k}\right) + x [/math]? Is this saying that the extension of the spring is changed for a vertical spring when a weight is added on? Does it follow from: [math] -kx = mg [/math] [math] x = -\left(\frac{mg}{k}\right) [/math]? Why is there a [math] +x [/math] in the [math] x_s [/math] expression? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klaynos Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I can't remember the equations or definitions off hand atm. But from what I recall, isn't that x just the initial displacement when the spring is at rest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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