Question

A marble is attached to a compressed horizontal spring and is then released. Which equation correctly shows the conservation of mechanical energy for this system? (1 point)

Answer 1

Assuming no friction and no change in height, the spring's initial potential energy converts to the marble's kinetic energy:

1/2 k x^2 = 1/2 m v^2

(Or more generally: Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf ⇒ 1/2 k x^2 + 0 = 0 + 1/2 m v^2.)