An object of mass m hangs from the bottom end of an ideal vertical spring which, in turn, hangs from the ceiling of an elevator car. The spring has a spring constant k and the elevator car is accelerating downwards with a constant acceleration of magnitude $a_0$. The magnitude of this acceleration is less than the local acceleration due to gravity ($a_0 < g$).
How much does the length of the spring differ from its equilibrium length (that is, the length it would have if it were at rest and no masses were attached)?
$\Delta x =$
Is the spring stretched or compressed relative to its equilibrium length?
Stretched
Compressed