A 2000 kg (19,600 N) elevator with broken cables in a test rig is falling at 4.00 m/s when it contacts a cushioning spring at the bottom of the shaft. The spring is intended to stop the elevator, compressing 2.00 m as it does so . During the motion a safety clamp applies a constant 17,000 N friction force to the elevator. What is the necessary force constant k for the spring?

A 2000 kg (19,600 N) elevator with broken cables in a test rig is falling at 4.00 m/s when it contacts a cushioning spring at the bottom of the shaft. The spring is intended to stop the elevator, compressing 2.00 m as it does so . During the motion a safety clamp applies a constant 17,000 N friction force to the elevator. What is the necessary force constant k for the spring?