How Does Compressing a Spring Store and Release Energy?

[clh7871]

I was trying to work on this for a little but couldn't figure it out.

A. A spring with a spring constant k=30 N/m is compressed and latched at 0.10 m. How much elastic potential energy is stored in the spring?

? 0.15 J

B. An object with a mass of 5.0 kg is placed next to the spring and the spring is unlatched. Neglecting the mass of the spring, what is the final kinetic energy of the object?

I know that Ek=1/2 mv(squared)

Could someone help me??

 

[dextercioby]

Okay,for the first part,u need to know the expression for the potential energy of the spring in terms of its compression (distance on which it is compressed)...

Use that formula and the figure u're getting to solve point B.

Daniel.

 

[wais]

A. To calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring, we can use the formula E = 1/2 * k * x^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position. In this case, k = 30 N/m and x = 0.10 m. Plugging these values into the formula, we get E = 1/2 * 30 N/m * (0.10 m)^2 = 0.15 J. So the elastic potential energy stored in the spring is 0.15 J.

B. To calculate the final kinetic energy of the object, we can use the formula Ek = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is the velocity. In this case, m = 5.0 kg and v = 0 m/s (since the object was initially at rest). Plugging these values into the formula, we get Ek = 1/2 * 5.0 kg * (0 m/s)^2 = 0 J. So the final kinetic energy of the object is 0 J.