Question

Every spring has an equilibrium position. Which statements describe a spring at its equilibrium position? Check all that apply.

The spring constant is zero.
The elastic potential energy is at a maximum.
The elastic potential energy is zero.
The displacement of the spring is at a maximum.
The net force acting on the spring is zero.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- The elastic potential energy is zero.
- The net force acting on the spring is zero.

Reason: At the equilibrium position the spring's displacement x = 0, so U = 1/2 k x^2 = 0 and F = −kx = 0. The spring constant k is a property of the spring (not zero), and both maximum displacement and maximum elastic potential energy occur at the turning points, not at equilibrium.