Is My Work and Potential Energy Calculation Correct?

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SUMMARY

The calculations for work and potential energy involving a 2kg mass and a spring with a spring constant of 50 N/m are confirmed as correct. The work done by gravity when raising the mass 2m is 39.2 J, and the change in gravitational potential energy is also 39.2 J. For the spring, the work done during compression by 0.1m is 0.25 J, which matches the change in potential energy of the spring. The final speed of a 0.05kg mass released from the spring is calculated to be √10 m/s, although clarification on the signs in the equations is needed.

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Homework Statement



a)how much work is done by gravity as a 2kg mass is raised 2m vertically?

b)what is the change in gravitation potential energy of a 2kg mass raised 2m vertically?

c)How much work is done by a spring with a spring constant k = 50N/m as it is compressed by 0.1m from its relaxed position?

d) what is the change in the potential energy of a spring with spring constant k = 50N/m as it is compressed by0.1m from is relaxed position?

e) A 0.05kg mass is held against a spring( with spring constant k = 50N/m) while the spring is compressed by 0.1m. The mass is released and accelerated by the spring. What is the final speed of the mass?

The Attempt at a Solution



A. Wg= mgh wg = (2)(9.8)(2) = 39.2J
B. PE = mgh PE = (2)(9.8)(2) = 39.2J
C. Ws = 1/2kx^2 Ws = 1/2(50)(.1)^2 = 0.25J
D. Us = 1/2 kx^2 Us = 1/2(50)(.1)^2 = 0.25J
E. I don't know...
W = change KE
attempt 1/2kx^2 = 1/2mv^2
1/2(50)(.1)^2 = 1/2(.005)v^2
vf = sqrt(10)m/s


can someone check my work?
I need some help and explanation for problem e.
Im not too sure about the signs.
 
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You seem to be missing a few negative signs...It might help you to find them by looking at the definition of work done by any force [itex]\textbf{F}[/itex] in moving an object form point [itex]\textbf{a}[/itex] to point [itex]\textbf{b}[/itex]...what is that definition (it involves an integral and a dot product)?
 

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