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Homework Statement
The energy change of a oscillating spring. It involves SHM and the energy involved are GPE, KE and Elastic PE (EPE).
The Attempt at a Solution
I understand the other conversions e.g. On the downward journey above the equilibrium position, the gravitational p.e. is changed to elastic p.e. and k.e.
But there is one part I don't understand:
On the upward journey above the equilibrium position, the k.e. and elastic p.e. are changed to gravitational p.e.
Shouldnt there be elastic PE when it is compressed as in 'compressed energy'? ( k.e. changed to EPE and GPE) or is there a gross misunderstanding on my part? In hooke's law, the 'x' means extension but does it count compression distance?
Thanks.