Linear spring

1. A uniform massless spring if extended or compressed, distance between every two

consecutive turns (pitch) changes by the same amount. A spring obeying this property
and Hooke’s law is called a linear spring.
(a) A linear spring of relaxed length 𝑙0 = 30 cm is attached at one end to a wall. If the
other end is pulled away from the wall with a force F= 60 N, p=6th turn from the wall
reaches a position, where q= 8th turn of relaxed spring was. Find the force constant of
the spring.

(b) The ends A and B of a linear spring of relaxed length l0 are so pulled that the ends
shift by distances ∆𝑙𝐴 = 5 cm and ∆𝑙𝐵 = 25 cm as shown in the figure. Find shift of a
point of the spring that was at a distance 𝑙0 /n (n=3) from the end A in relaxed spring.

2. Two identical elastic cords of negligible relaxed lengths are tied at one of their ends to
fixed nails A and B that are equidistant from the origin O. The other ends of the strings
are tied to a small ball. To hold the ball in equilibrium at a point P (4 m, 3 m), a force of
magnitude F = 1000 N is required. Assuming free space conditions, find force constant of
the cords.

3. Three segments cut from a long elastic light cord are knotted at point P. The other ends of
the cords are attached to the ceiling so that all the segments are in vertical plane and
angles between the outer and the middle segments each being 𝜃 as shown in the figure. A
load of mass m is suspended from the knot P. If extensions in the cords are negligible as
compared to their relaxed lengths, find the tensile force T developed in the middle cord.
Acceleration due to gravity is g.
4. The system shown adjacent is in equilibrium. Find the acceleration of
the blocks A, B & C all of equal masses m at the instant when
(Assume springs to be ideal)
(a) The spring between ceiling & A is cut.
(b) The string (inextensible) between A & B is cut.
(c) The spring between B & C is cut.
Also find the tension in the string when the system is at rest and in the
above 3 cases.

Pulley Basics

5. A string with constant tension T is deflected through angle 2𝜃0 by a smooth fixed pulley.
What is the force on the pulley?

6. A light and inextensible string of length l = 20 m tied between two nails, supports a
frictionless pulley of weight Wp = 10√2 N from which a block of weight Wb = 10√2 N
is also suspended as shown in the figure. The nails are fixed in a level a distance 𝑥 =
10√2 m apart. Radius of the pulley is r = 10 cm. How much normal reaction per unit of
its length does the string apply on the pulley?