Is My Work and Potential Energy Calculation Correct?

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The calculations for work done by gravity and changes in gravitational potential energy for a 2kg mass raised 2m are both correctly calculated as 39.2J. The work done by a spring compressed by 0.1m is correctly found to be 0.25J, as is the change in potential energy of the spring. However, there is uncertainty regarding the final speed of a 0.05kg mass released from the spring, with a suggested approach involving the conservation of energy principle. The discussion highlights the importance of considering signs in calculations related to work and energy. Clarification on the definition of work and its mathematical representation is recommended for better understanding.
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Homework Statement



a)how much work is done by gravity as a 2kg mass is raised 2m vertically?

b)what is the change in gravitation potential energy of a 2kg mass raised 2m vertically?

c)How much work is done by a spring with a spring constant k = 50N/m as it is compressed by 0.1m from its relaxed position?

d) what is the change in the potential energy of a spring with spring constant k = 50N/m as it is compressed by0.1m from is relaxed position?

e) A 0.05kg mass is held against a spring( with spring constant k = 50N/m) while the spring is compressed by 0.1m. The mass is released and accelerated by the spring. What is the final speed of the mass?

The Attempt at a Solution



A. Wg= mgh wg = (2)(9.8)(2) = 39.2J
B. PE = mgh PE = (2)(9.8)(2) = 39.2J
C. Ws = 1/2kx^2 Ws = 1/2(50)(.1)^2 = 0.25J
D. Us = 1/2 kx^2 Us = 1/2(50)(.1)^2 = 0.25J
E. I don't know...
W = change KE
attempt 1/2kx^2 = 1/2mv^2
1/2(50)(.1)^2 = 1/2(.005)v^2
vf = sqrt(10)m/s


can someone check my work?
I need some help and explanation for problem e.
Im not too sure about the signs.
 
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You seem to be missing a few negative signs...It might help you to find them by looking at the definition of work done by any force \textbf{F} in moving an object form point \textbf{a} to point \textbf{b}...what is that definition (it involves an integral and a dot product)?
 
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