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How much work must be done on a spring to give it 100 J of elastic potential? Explain.

User CornSmith
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The work done on a spring to give it elastic potential energy is determined by the equation for potential energy of a spring. Without additional information, we cannot determine the specific amount of work done on the spring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The work done on a spring to give it a certain amount of elastic potential energy is determined by the equation for potential energy of a spring, which is given by:

Potential energy of a spring = (1/2) * k * x^2

Where:

- k is the spring constant (also known as the force constant),

- x is the displacement or stretch/compression of the spring from its equilibrium position.

In this case, the question states that the spring has 100 J of elastic potential energy. To find the work done on the spring, we need to rearrange the equation:

Work done = (1/2) * k * x^2

Given that the elastic potential energy is 100 J, we substitute this value in the equation:

100 J = (1/2) * k * x^2

To find the work, we need to know either the spring constant k or the displacement x.

Without additional information, we cannot determine the specific amount of work done on the spring.

User Tholy
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