Question

A vertical spring with a force constant of 35 n/m has a relaxed length of 1.5 m. A mass is then attached to the bottom of the spring and it stretches to 3.5 m. How much elastic potential energy is stored in the spring? Round to the nearest tenth.

Answer 1

The elastic potential energy stored in the spring is 70 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring, we can use the formula:

PE = (1/2)kx^2

where PE is the elastic potential energy, k is the force constant of the spring, and x is the displacement of the spring from its relaxed length.

In this case, the force constant is 35 N/m and the displacement is 3.5 m - 1.5 m = 2 m.

Using these values, we can calculate:

PE = (1/2)(35 N/m)(2 m)^2 = 70 J

Therefore, the elastic potential energy stored in the spring is 70 J.