(i) Write the expression for the force exerted by an ideal spring when it is…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
(i) Write the expression for the force exerted by an ideal spring when it is displaced by an amount x from its natural length.
(ii) Using calculus, obtain an expression for the work done by this spring force when the spring is slowly compressed from extension x1 to x2 (x2>x1 measured from the natural length).
(iii) Show that this work depends only on the values of x1 and x2 and not on the actual manner in which the compression is carried out.
(iv) Hence comment on whether the spring force is conservative or non-conservative.