Question

Scenario A: A 3 spring is compressed a distance of 1.0 m. Scenario B: A 6 spring is compressed a distance of 0.8 m. Scenario C: A 9 spring is compressed a distance of 0.6 m. Scenario D: A 12 spring is compressed a distance of 0.4 m. Which scenario generates the most elastic potential energy?

Answer 1

The CORRECT answer is B

Answer 2

Scenario B)

Step-by-step explanation:

The elastic potential energy stored in a spring is given by:

`U=(1)/(2)kx^2`

where k is the spring constant and x is the compression/stretching of the spring.

Let's calculate the potential energy of each spring by using this formula:

A)
`U=(1)/(2)(3 N/m)(1.0 m)^2=1.5 J`

B)
`U=(1)/(2)(6 N/m)(0.8 m)^2=1.92 J`

C)
`U=(1)/(2)(9 N/m)(0.6 m)^2=1.62 J`

D)
`U=(1)/(2)(12 N/m)(0.4 m)^2=0.96 J`

Therefore, the scenario with most elastic potential energy is B.