FAQ

  1. Kalyanjit Ghosh: Is the problem 2-D?
Answer: Yes. That is to say, it may be assumed that the spring, which has diameter about 28.3 mm, lies between two vertical planes a distance 28.3 mm apart (|z| < 14.15 mm).
  1. Mike Lazarakis: What is the natural length of the spring, i.e., how long is it if the ends are free and no forces are acting?
Answer: If the spring were to float in outer space it would completely contract (like most slinkys). Thus, its length is (roughly) the number of coils times their width. Namely, (02)(.24 mm) = 2.448 cm. It might be a tiny bit longer, somehow because the coils don't fit up against each other tightly, but that's basically the size of it.