Answer:
The total distance traveled by an object attached to a spring that is pulled to position x=A and then released is 4 A.
Explanation:
We have an small object attached to a relaxed spring whose opposite end is fixed. The spring rests on a frictionless surface. This means the only force acting on the object is the elastic force of the spring, a conservative force, since the weight and the normal force compensate between them.
The initial position of the object is x=0 then is pulled to position x=A and released. After which it undergoes a simple harmonic motion with an amplitude A. From the position x=A to the equilibrium position in x=0 the object travels a distance A. From the equilibrium position x=0 to maximum negative position in x= -A the object travels again a distance A. Then to return to the original position the object should travel a distance 2 A in reverse direction.
In one full cycle of its motion the object travels a distance 4 A.
