Ideal spring: find the work during certain displacement

[pedro_infante]

1. Homework Statement [/b]
A block with mass (m) is attached to an ideal spring that has force constant (k) .

2. Homework Equations [/b]

a.)The block moves from (x_1) to (x_2) , where (x_2) > (x_1) . How much work does the spring force do during this displacement?

b.The block moves from (x_1) to (x_2) and then from (x_2) to (x_1). How much work does the spring force do during the displacement from (x_2) to (x_1) ?

c.)What is the total work done by the spring during the entire (x_1) --> (x_2) --> (x_1) displacement?

d.)The block moves from (x_1) to (x_3) , where (x_3) > (x_1) . How much work does the spring force do during this displacement?

e.)The block then moves from (x_3) to (x_2) . How much work does the spring force do during this displacement?

f.) What is the total work done by the spring force during the (x_1) --> (x_3) -->(x_2) displacement?

I have no memory of ever seeing a problem like this in class. Can anyone help me?

 

[hellais]

Try drawing a graph of the displacement over the Force, and try confronting it with other similar graphs.
Consider that Work=Force*displacement.