A cart is attached to an ideal horizontal spring with force constant

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

0.50\,\text{kg}

cart is attached to an ideal horizontal spring with force constant

k = 50\,\text{N/m}

. The cart is initially at the spring’s equilibrium position (

x=0

) and moving to the right with speed

2.0\,\text{m/s}

. The surface is frictionless. • Student A defines the elastic potential energy to be zero at

x=0

. • Student B defines the elastic potential energy to be zero at

x = +0.15\,\text{m}

. When the cart passes through

x = +0.10\,\text{m}

, Student A calculates the cart’s kinetic energy to be

0.75\,\text{J}

. Which of the following best describes the kinetic energy value that Student B will calculate at the same location? (a)

1.00\,\text{J}

(b)

0.44\,\text{J}

(c)

0.75\,\text{J}

(d)

1.50\,\text{J}