PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
One end of a light, horizontal spring of force constant 400N m−1 is fixed to a wall, and a 0.50kg block is attached to the free end. The block is initially at the equilibrium position of the spring. It is then slowly pulled outward until the extension becomes 10cm and held there. After that, it is allowed to move inward until the extension becomes 5.0cm, where it is again brought to rest.
(i) Compute the work done by the spring force during the outward pull from 0 to 10cm.
(ii) Compute the work done by the spring force during the inward motion from 10cm to 5.0cm.
(iii) Determine the net work done by the spring force for the entire process described above.