When a 1.53-kilogram mass is placed on a spring
with a spring constant of 30.0 newtons per meter,
the spring is compressed 0.500 meter. How
much energy is stored in the spring?
To find the energy stored in the spring, we can use the formula for potential energy stored in a spring:
Potential Energy = (1/2) * k * x^2
Where:
k is the spring constant (30.0 N/m in this case)
x is the displacement of the spring (0.500 m in this case)
Let's substitute these values into the formula:
Potential Energy = (1/2) * 30.0 N/m * (0.500 m)^2
First, square the displacement:
Potential Energy = (1/2) * 30.0 N/m * 0.250 m^2
Next, multiply the spring constant with the squared displacement:
Potential Energy = 0.125 N/m * m^2
Finally, simplify the expression:
Potential Energy = 0.125 joules
Therefore, the energy stored in the spring is 0.125 joules.