When we stretch a spring, the work we carry out varies as we stretch it
because the force we have to exert at every instant is constantly
varied. The force which has to be exerted must compensate for that
exerted by the spring in the opposite direction.
The following visual simulates the force exerted by a student on a
spring. Choose a force constant for the spring and start the visual.
- Observe the graph of Fstudent/displacement.
- Caculate from the resultant graph, the work
developed by the force of the student.
- Draw, on a sheet of paper, the graph which would
result from a force constant for the spring of 4N/m and calculate the
work developed by the force of the student.
- Verify your result in the visual.
