An unstrained horizontal spring has a length of 0.44 m and a spring constant of 238 N/m. Two small charged objects are attached to this spring, one at each end. The charges on the objects have equal magnitudes. Because of these charges, the spring stretches by 0.029 m relative to its unstrained length. Determine the possible algebraic signs and the magnitude of the charges.

Explanation:

Given that,

Length of the spring, l = 0.44 m

Spring constant of the spring, k = 238 N/m    

Two small charged objects are attached to this spring, one at each end. The charges on the objects have equal magnitudes.

Displacement in the spring, x = 0.029 m

The force acting on the spring is given by :

This force will act between charges as :

So, the magnitude of charge is and it has positive sign.

the correct answer is "inertia"