A 3.5 kg mass is pressed against a spring of spring constant 90.0 N/m,compressing it 25.0 cm.The greatest amount of kinetic energy this mass could gain after it is released is 2.81 J.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum kinetic energy of the mass is equal to the elastic potential energy stored in the spring when it is compressed. The elastic potential energy is given by (1/2)kx^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the compression distance. Plugging in the given values, we get (1/2)(90.0 N/m)(0.25 m)^2 = 2.81 J.

A 35 Kg Mass Is Pressed Against a Spring of Spring