real elementary physics question

[jsong812]

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how are joules and newtons related? I was looking over a PS question on AAMC 6R and it talks about how you can alternatively find K (spring constant from hookes law) by using dimensional analysis. The correct answer was internal energy / amplitude. I know that amplitude equals meters so I got that much but some form of energy must also equal newtons. Therefore, is it ok to assume newtons = joules? Much thanks!

 

[DrBowtie]

J = N*m

 

[jsong812]

haha ah... ok thanks so much!

 

[Mr. Tee]

Amplitude does not always equal meters. Amplitude is just the maximum height of a wave function. But what is the wave function representing? Distance? Energy? Intensity? The units of amplitude will depend on what type of wave you're dealing with.