Final answer:
The question is about a physics concept involving a vertical mass-spring system, where a mass is released from rest from a point below its equilibrium position, causing it to undergo simple harmonic motion as the system's potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the vertical mass-spring system in physics, where a mass weighing 24 pounds is attached to a spring that stretches 4 inches due to the weight of the mass. When the student mentions the mass being released from rest from a point 8 inches below, they likely refer to the mass being released from a point 8 inches below the equilibrium position. The equilibrium position is the point where the spring force equals the gravitational force on the mass, and no net force is acting on the mass. In this scenario, the mass will oscillate about this position undergo simple harmonic motion (SHM). The potential energy of the system would be initially at a maximum when the mass is 8 inches below the equilibrium position as all of the energy is stored in the spring. Using Hooke's Law, the potential energy can be calculated and would contribute to the oscillation of the mass.