Why Isn't the Energy Equation Ef=kx^2/2−mgx?

Thread starter user5
Start date Mar 1, 2014
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Basics Conservation Conservation of energy Energy

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user5

Thread starter
Mar 1, 2014

The mass is released at height h above the spring, how far will the spring move? Ei=mgh,Ef=kx2/2+mgx...why the second equation isn't Ef=kx2/2−mgx? Since it is below the "zero".

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consciousness

Mar 1, 2014

Your equation for Ef is correct.

Why Isn't the Energy Equation Ef=kx^2/2−mgx?

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