PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
A horizontal, massless spring of force constant k=250Nm−1 is kept on a frictionless table. One end of the spring is fixed, and the other end is pressed inward so that the spring is compressed by 4.0cm from its natural length. It is then allowed to expand slowly until the compression is only 2.0cm.
(i) Calculate the work done by the spring force during this process.
(ii) Determine the work that must be done by the external agent on the spring in carrying out the same process.
(iii) Find the change in the elastic potential energy stored in the spring between the initial and final states.