An object is attached to a vertical spring and bobs up and down between points A and B. Where is the object located when its elastic potential energy is a minimum?
A) one-third of the way between A and B
B) midway between A and B
C) at either A or B
D) one-fourth of the way between A and B
E) at none of the above points

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elastic potential energy of an object attached to a spring is minimum when the spring is neither stretched nor compressed, which occurs at the equilibrium position. This position is midway between the two extremes of the motion (points A and B), where the spring force balances the gravitational force.

An Object Is Attached to a Vertical Spring and Bobs