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Experiments using "optical tweezers" measure the elasticity of individual DNA molecules. For small enough changes in length, the elasticity has the same form as that of a spring. A DNA molecule is anchored at one end, then a force of 1.5 nN (1.5 x 10-9 N) pulls on the other end, causing the molecule to stretch by 5.0 nm (5.0 x 10-9 m). What is the spring constant of that DNA molecule?

Respuesta :

Answer:

The spring constant of DNA molecule is [tex]0.3\frac{N}{m}[/tex]

Explanation:

As we know ,

Formula for spring constant

[tex]F = -kX\\[/tex]

Where,

[tex]F =[/tex] Force exerted on the DNA molecule in Newton

[tex]k =[/tex] spring constant in [tex]\frac{Newton}{Meter}[/tex]

[tex]X =[/tex] displacement in meters

Substituting the given values in above equation, we get -

[tex]1.5 * 10^{-9} = -k * 5.0* 10^{-9}\\k = 0.3[/tex][tex]\frac{N}{m}[/tex]

Thus, the spring constant of DNA molecule is [tex]0.3\frac{N}{m}[/tex]