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PrudensOptimus
Nov13-03, 11:14 PM
What is the total mechanical energy of a mass of 2 kg oscillating on a spring given that the maximum velocity of the mass is 5 m/s and the spring constant is 50 N/m?

ShawnD
Nov14-03, 01:01 AM
The formula for mechanical energy is this:
E = (1/2)mv^2 + (1/2)kx^2

When the mass is at the equilibrium position, the spring is 0 from equilibrium and the mass is at maximum velocity. The formula looks like this then
E = (1/2)(2)(5)^2 + (1/2)(50)(0)^2
E = 25 Joules

Wasn't that easy :)