What is the acceleration when the spring compression is greatest?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block attached to a spring, focusing on the conditions under which the acceleration of the block is zero during oscillation. The problem involves concepts of potential energy, kinetic energy, and the relationship between force and spring compression.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between spring compression, force, and acceleration, questioning when the acceleration of the block is zero. There is discussion about the implications of kinetic and potential energy at different points in the oscillation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion and seeking clarification on the relationship between spring compression, kinetic energy, and acceleration. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions under which force and acceleration are zero, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and relationships between kinetic energy, potential energy, and acceleration in the context of oscillatory motion. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of different states of energy in the system.

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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