A block attached to a horizontal spring is pulled to the left of equilibrium and…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Oscillations · Oscillations
Problem
A block attached to a horizontal spring is pulled 0.06m to the left of equilibrium and released from rest. Taking the right direction as positive, what will be the sign of its acceleration immediately after release?
(a) Negative, because Hooke's law gives F=kx and x<0
(b) Zero, because its velocity is zero at that instant
(c) Positive, because the restoring spring force acts towards the right
(d) Cannot be determined without knowing the spring constant and the mass