Double-Checking Elastic Energy and Gravitational Potential | Dec. 14 Deadline

[Raza]

I want to make sure if I have done the Eleastic Energy part and also the Gravitational Potential correctly. Please respond fast. handing it on Dec.14

Thank YOU

 

[Physicsisfun2005]

hmm...which equations did u use? for the spring potential did u use:
Us=.5kx^2

did u use Ug=mgh grav. potential?

this may be just b/c i don't understand ur table...y is the spring unstretched value lower than ur starting point?

 

[Raza]

I used Ug=mgh to find the gravititional potential.

This is a picture to give you an idea of how it is.

The starting point is 7cm plus the extra 2cm. We had to hold it there. After that, I let of the weight and when it bouncing, i had to quickly measure the lowest point. Now, I know I did something wrong. because gravititional potential should be decreasing as the elastic energy is increasing.