What is the acceleration when the spring compression is greatest?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a 2kg block attached to a spring that compresses to store 10 joules of potential energy while oscillating on a frictionless track. Participants debate when the block experiences zero acceleration, considering options related to spring compression, velocity, and energy states. It is clarified that the acceleration is zero when the net force acting on the block is zero, which occurs at the equilibrium position, not at maximum compression. The confusion arises from the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, where maximum kinetic energy does not coincide with zero acceleration. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that the block's acceleration is zero at equilibrium, not when the spring is maximally compressed.
contlee
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A 2kg block is placed pushing against a spring. The spring is compressed and stores 10 joules of potential energy. The block remains attached to the spring as it oscillates on a frictionless track.

The mass experiences zero acceleration when the spring compression is __________
A. greatest
B. When velocity is zero
C. At the equilibrium
D. Kinetic Energy is zero
E. Potential energy is greatest

I have no idea. I think the answer is A. But however I have no concrete reason why. So far I am basing my answer on the fact that when the compression is greatest the block is not moving. Therefore the acceleration is zero, but then again choice B says when the velocity is zero. Any ideas
 
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In the spring the relation between force and compression is given by
F = -k*x, where k is the spring constant. The acceleration is zero when F is zero.
Now where the force is zero?
 
I'm still confused so the acceleration is o when the compression is kinetic energy is zero
 
contlee said:
I'm still confused so the acceleration is o when the compression is kinetic energy is zero
No. In fact when the acceleration is zero, kinetic energy is maximum. In the oscillating body where the kinetic energy is maximum?
 

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