. A spring is kept compressed by a small trolley of mass 0.5 kg lying on a smooth horizontal surface as shown
A spring is kept compressed by a small trolley of mass 0.5 kg lying on a smooth horizontal surface as shown. When the trolley is released, it is found to move at a speed of v = 2 m/s-1. What potential energy did the spring possess when compressed?
Best Answer
Given
Mass of trolley = 0.5 kg
Velocity = 2 m / s
When the compressed spring is released, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy completely.
Potential energy of compressed spring = kinetic energy of moving trolley
Kinetic energy of trolley = 1 / 2 × mass × (velocity)2
= 1 / 2 × 0.5 × (2)2
= 1 / 2 × 0.5 × 2 × 2
= 1J
So, potential energy of compressed spring = 1.0J
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