Question

An ideal spring is hung vertically from the ceiling. When a 2.0-kg mass hangs at rest from it the spring is extended 6.0 cm from its relaxed length. A downward external force is now applied to the mass to extend the spring an additional 10 cm. While the spring is being extended by the force, the work done by the spring is:
a. -3.6 J
b. -3.3 F
c. -3.4 times 10^-5 J
d. 3.3 J
e. 3.6 J

Answer 1

Answer:

b) - 3.3 J

Explanation:

Given;

mass, m = 2 kg

initial extension of the spring, x = 6 cm = 0.06 m

The weight of the mass on the spring;

W = mg

where;

g is acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s²

W = 2 x 9.81

W = 19.62 N

The spring constant is calculated as;

W = kx

k = W/x

k = 19.62 / 0.06

k = 327 N/m

The work done by the spring when it is extended to an additional 10 cm;

work done = force x distance

distance = extension, x =  10 cm = 0.1 m

The work done by the spring opposes the applied force by acting in opposite direction to the force.

W = - Fx

W = - (kx) x

W = - kx²

W = - (327) x (0.1)²

W = - 3.27 J

W ≅ - 3.3 J

Therefore, the work done by the spring by opposing the applied force is -3.3 J