Elastic Strings and Springs

Hookes Law
Hookes Law states that the extension of a stretched string or spring, e, is proportional to
the tension, T.
This can be expressed as T
metre.

ke where k is the stiffness measured in Newtons per

A better expression of Hookes Law incorporates the natural length, l, of the string or the
spring

e
T
l

is called the modulus of elasticity and is measured in Newtons.

A spring can be compressed as well as stretched, and Hookes Law remains a good model
for the compression in a spring.

Modelling assumption:
The main assumption that one usually makes in questions of this type is that the string or
spring is light.

Elastic Springs and Strings Example 1

An elastic spring of length 2m and modulus of elasticity 49N has a block of mass 3kg attached to one end.
The other end is fastened to a hook and it is lowered into its equilibrium position. What is the length of
the spring?

Elastic Springs and Strings Example 2

A ball of mass 4kg is fastened between two springs whose natural lengths are 1m and 0.5m. The other end
of the first spring is attached to a point A and the other end of the second spring to a point B, where B is
3m vertically below A. The ball rests in equilibrium. The moduli of elasticity of the two springs are 30N
and 10N respectively. Find the lengths of the springs.