A block is attached to the lower end of a light vertical spring having force constant
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A 2kg block is attached to the lower end of a light vertical spring having force constant 400N/m. The block is slowly pulled down so that the spring is compressed by 0.05m and then lifted upward until it is 0.40m above the spring’s natural length position. Taking the natural length position of the spring as the reference level for zero gravitational potential energy, answer the following:
(a) Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the block at the raised position.
(b) Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring at the raised position.
(c) Find the total potential energy of the block–spring system at that instant.