ASVAB Practice Test

To determine the amount of force required to compress the spring 10 inches, we can use the information provided that the spring compresses 1 inch for every 50 pounds of force. This sets a direct relationship between the amount of force applied and the compression distance. If the spring compresses by 1 inch under a force of 50 pounds, then to find out how much force is needed to compress it 10 inches, we can multiply the force required for 1 inch by the total number of inches we want to compress it. Specifically, for 10 inches, the calculation would be: 10 inches * 50 pounds per inch = 500 pounds. This means that to compress the spring 10 inches, a total force of 500 pounds is necessary. This reasoning aligns with the principles of Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the distance it is compressed or stretched.