A spring has a force constant of 410.0 N/m.

Question

(a) Determine the potential energy stored in the spring when the spring is stretched 4.13 cm from equilibrium.
(b) Determine the potential energy stored in the spring when the spring is stretched 3.06 cm from equilibrium.
(c) Determine the potential energy stored in the spring when the spring is unstretched.

Answer 1

a. F = 410N/m * 0.0413m = 16.93 N.

PE = F*d = 16.93 * 0.0413 = 0.7 Joules.

b. Same procedure as a.

c. F = 410N/m * 0 = 0.
PE = F * d = 0*0 = 0.

Answer 2

Correction: PE = 0.5F * d = 0.5*16.93 * 0.0413 = 0.35 Joules.