Question

A body of mass 0.2 kg performs linear S.H.M. It experiences a restoring force of 0.4 N when its displacement from the mean position is 8 cm. Determine force constant.

Answer 1

Given:

Mass of the body (m) = 0.2 kg

Restoring force (F) = 0.4 N

Displacement from mean position (x) = 8 cm = 8 × 10⁻² m

Calculations:

1. Calculate Force Constant (k): 

Using Hooke’s Law,

F = −kx

`k = F/x`

`k = 0.4/(8 xx 10^-2)`

k = 5 N/m