Question

A student is observing an object of unknown mass that is oscillating horizontally at the end of an ideal spring. The student measure the object's period of oscillation with a stopwatch. While the object is continuously oscillating, the student determines the maximum speed of the object during two oscillations. The first speed is 3.5 m/s and the second speed is 2.7 m/s. Which of the following could account for the decrease in the object's maximum kinetic energy?

a. Meterstick
b. Motion sensor
c. Balance
d. Photogate

Answer 1

Decrease in the object's maximum kinetic energy is caused by loss of energy by the system to its immediate surroundings.

Step-by-step explanation:

None of the options are correct because for an object spring system, maximum kinetic energy is reduced when the system loses energy to the immediate surrounding.

Thus, decrease in the object's maximum kinetic energy is caused by loss of energy by the system to its immediate surroundings.