Q7CQ - College Physics (Urone)

Question

Some people modify cars to be much closer to the ground than when manufactured. Should they install stiffer springs? Explain your answer.

 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

No, stiffer springs should not be installed in the cars because it will not help the car to be closer to the ground.

Step 1: Relation between restoring force and stiffness

The restoring force on the spring in a periodic motion is directly proportional to the spring constant and displacement. It is expressed as follows,

\[{\bf{F =  - kx}}\]

Here, K is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

 

The more the spring force is, the more the restoring force as restoring force is directly proportional to the spring constant.

Step 2: Modification of car to make it closer to the ground

If you install stiffer springs in the car, it will result in an increased restoring force. As a result of higher restoring force, the car will stay away from the ground instead of being closed.

Thus, while modifying cars to be closer to the ground; stiffer springs should not be installed.