A spring-powered launcher rests horizontally on a frictionless surface
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
A spring-powered launcher rests horizontally on a frictionless surface. The launcher contains an ideal spring of force constant 400Nm−1. The spring is compressed 0.15m from its equilibrium length and then held in place. A 0.040kg steel sphere is placed in contact with the spring and held at rest.
Take the equilibrium position of the spring as the zero of elastic potential energy unless otherwise specified.
(a) Determine the elastic potential energy stored in the spring at the moment it is compressed.
(b) The zero of elastic potential energy is now redefined to be the compressed position instead of equilibrium. State the numerical value of the spring’s elastic potential energy when the spring is at equilibrium under this new convention.
(c) Does the redefinition in part (b) change the amount of mechanical energy available to launch the sphere? Justify your answer.