Question

If you were going to use a spring to launch something, what could you do to make it move Faster?

Answer 1

A, but it depends on the k constant, distance in which you compress, and mass of the launching object

Explanation:

A stronger spring should have higher k constant which allows an object to launch with higher speed.

By using the conservation of energy if you were to launch an object which you initially press with the spring,

`(mv^(2) )/(2) = (kx^(2) )/(2)`

Solving for v (velocity):

`v=\sqrt{(kx^(2) )/(m) }`

We can see from this equation that when you increase k, v also increases.

If you decrease k, then v would also decrease

And of course, the distance in which you compress and the mass of the launching object also affects the speed.