Concept Question: Work done by a Spring

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the work done by a spring when it is stretched to equilibrium. The user seeks confirmation on whether the work done is positive, as the spring resists stretching and attempts to return to its equilibrium position. They conclude that since the displacement aligns with the force exerted by the spring, it results in positive work done by the spring. The user questions if their understanding is correct, particularly regarding the sign of potential energy and the nature of work done. The consensus indicates that the spring does indeed perform positive work as it moves towards equilibrium.
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I just need confirmation that I'm thinking of this in the right way. It's looks so simple that I feel I'm overthinking things and messing up.

You are holding onto a spring that is already stretched. You then proceed to take that spring to equilibrium slowly.

(a) The work you do is positive.
(b) The change in potential energy of the spring is positive.
(c) Your work is double that of the work of the spring.
(d) The spring does negative work.
(e) The spring does positive work.



Es = 1/2 * K * x^2, where x is the amount compressed. Since it's outstretched, that'd mean x is negative, right?
In that case, you'd start with negative energy and moving to zero. The spring is resisting the stretch and trying to pull back, which is the same direction as the spring's distance is going. So that would mean the spring's doing positive work.

Would e) be the correct answer or is my understanding wrong?
 
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If the displacement is in the same direction as the force, the work is positive.
 
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