Scale spring constant* A mass of 10 kg falls 50 cm onto the platform of a spring scale, and sticks. The platform eventually comes to rest 10 cm below its initial position. The mass of the platform is 2 kg.
(a) Find the spring constant.
(b) It is desired to put in a damping system so that the scale comes to rest in minimum time without overshoot. This means that the scale must be critically damped (see Note 11.2). Find the necessary damping constant and the equation for the motion of the platform after the mass hits.