Question

When a mass on a spring is at maximum displacement, what quantity is at a minimum?

a. acceleration
b. velocity
c. net force
d. amplitude

Answer 1

Answer: b. velocity

Step-by-step explanation:

The spring is at maximum displacement when it experiences maximum net force and so the maximum acceleration. (F = - k x = ma ).

The displacement of the spring determines the amplitude. Hence, maximum displacement means maximum amplitude.

At the maximum displacement, the potential energy (P.E. = 0.5 k x²) possessed by the spring would be maximum and minimum kinetic energy (K.E.= 0.5 m v²). This means that the spring would have minimum velocity at maximum displacement.

Answer 2

I believe the correct answer from the choices listed above is option B. When a mass on a spring is at maximum displacement or at amplitude, the velocity of of the spring zero which means it is at a minimum value. Hope this answers the question. Have a nice day.