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 the 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

∴ Force constant, k = `|F|/x`

= `(0.4  N)/(8 xx 10^-2  m)`

= `40/8`

= 5 N/m