Question

A 5.0 kg mass is added and the mass-spring system is turned horizontal. If the spring is displaced to - 2.0 cm, what is the potential energy of the mass-spring system when released just before it starts to move?

Answer 1

Answer:

Potential energy of the spring mas system is, U = 0.06 Joules

Explanation:

Given that,

Mass in spring mas system, m = 5 kg

Displacement in the spring, x = 2 cm = 0.02 m

Let the spring constant of the spring is 300 N/m.

We need to find the potential energy of the mass-spring system when released just before it starts to move. The energy stored in the  spring is called its spring elastic energy. It is given by :

$U=\dfrac{1}{2}kx^2$

$U=\dfrac{1}{2}\times 300\times (0.02)^2$

U = 0.06 Joules

So, the  potential energy of the mass-spring system when released just before it starts to move is 0.06 Joules. Hence, this is the required solution.