Does Potential Energy Work In Horizontal Plane?

Thread starter zm500
Start date May 10, 2009
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Energy Horizontal Plane Potential Potential energy Work

AI Thread Summary

Potential energy (PE) can indeed work in a horizontal plane, particularly in the context of spring potential energy, which is defined by the formula PE = (1/2)kx^2. When a spring is compressed or elongated, the potential energy changes regardless of the orientation of the spring. The key factor is the change in the spring's length, which affects the potential energy stored in it. Therefore, as long as the spring is being manipulated, its potential energy is relevant in any plane. Understanding this concept clarifies how potential energy operates in different orientations.

May 10, 2009

zm500

Is there such thing?
I know that PE = (1/2)kx^2.
Does PE work in horizontal plane.
I don't get the concept
So like a person is spinning the mass.

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May 10, 2009

Doc Al

Mentor

Spring PE will "work" in whatever plane the spring is in. As long as the spring is being compressed or elongated, spring PE is changing.

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