A computer program calculates the amount of kinetic energy (K E) and elastic potential energy (P E) for a ball on a spring. The diagram shows the ball moving from left to right at three different positions: A, B, and C. For position A, the computer indicates values of K E equals 0.0 joules and P E equals 5.0 joules. At position B, the spring has zero stretch.

Question

Information
A diagram.Short description, A diagram.,Long description,
The diagram shows a ball on the end of a horizontal spring that is attached to a wall. Three positions of the ball and spring are shown.

Position A shows large gaps between the coils on the spring.
Position B shows small gaps between the coils on the spring.
Position C shows almost no gaps between the coils on the spring.

Question
What energy values would the computer ,begin emphasis,most,end emphasis, likely indicate for position B?

Answer options with 4 options
A.
K E equals 0.0 joules, P E equals 0.0 joules

B.
K E equals 0.0 joules, P E equals 5.0 joules

C.
K E equals 2.5 joules, P E equals 2.5 joules

D.
K E = 5.0 joules, P E equals 0.0 joules

Answer 1

In position A, the ball has maximum potential energy (P E) because the spring is stretched the most, while kinetic energy (K E) is zero because the ball is not moving. In position B, the spring is at its natural length (zero stretch), meaning the potential energy is zero, and since the ball is likely moving through its equilibrium position, it will have maximum kinetic energy.

Given this information, the computer would likely indicate the following values for position B:

D. K E = 5.0 joules, P E equals 0.0 joules