An instrument known as an atomic force microscope (AFM) can be used to measure f

Question

An instrument known as an atomic force microscope (AFM) can be used to measure forces between atoms or molecules at the nanometer scale. Suppose you find the elasticity of biological membranes by measuring the indentation of the force probe into the membrane as a function of the applied force. You could then use an AFM to study the elastic properties of the capsid (outer shell) of a virus. The graph shows your data of the force applied to the capsid by the AFM (in nanonewtons) versus the indentation of the capsid (in nanometers). Round your answers to two significant figures. Part 1 out of 2 (a) What is the effective spring constant of the capsid for indentations of 0-2.8 nm? k_eff = N/m

Explanation / Answer

Consider Hook's law is applicable in between given range.

In the given graph, the slope of the graph will give the spring constant of the membrane.

K (eff) = (0.4)/(2.8) = 0.143 N/m

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