Question

A spring is compressed, resulting in its displacement to the right. What happens to the spring when it is released?(1 point)
Responses

The spring exerts a restoring force to the right and compresses even further.
The spring exerts a restoring force to the right and compresses even further.

The spring exerts a restoring force to the right and returns to its equilibrium position.
The spring exerts a restoring force to the right and returns to its equilibrium position.

The spring exerts a restoring force to the left and returns to its equilibrium position.
The spring exerts a restoring force to the left and returns to its equilibrium position.

The spring exerts a restoring force to the left and stretches beyond its equilibrium position.

Answer 1

Correct choice: The spring exerts a restoring force to the left and returns to its equilibrium position.

Explanation: When displaced to the right the spring force acts opposite the displacement (to the left). On release the spring accelerates back toward equilibrium; with inertia it will generally pass through and oscillate about the equilibrium position (so it can briefly stretch beyond equilibrium).