A mass is suspended vertically from a spring so it is at rest at the equilibrium position.The mass is pulled straight down to an extension x and released so that it oscillates about the equilibrium position.The acceleration of the mass is zero when the mass is
A) at its maximum upward travel.
B) at the equilibrium point.
C) at its maximum lower travel.
D) somewhere between the equilibrium point and maximum extension.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the equilibrium point, the spring force and the weight of the mass balance each other out, resulting in a net force of zero. This means that the acceleration of the mass is also zero at this point. The acceleration is maximum at the extreme points of the motion (at maximum upward and maximum lower travel), where the net force is the greatest. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

A Mass Is Suspended Vertically from a Spring So It