A mass is suspended vertically from a spring so it is at rest at the equilibrium position.The mass is pulled straight down to an extension x and released so that it oscillates about the equilibrium position.The acceleration is greatest in magnitude and directed upward when the mass is
A) at its maximum upward travel.
B) at the equilibrium point.
C) at its maximum lower travel.
D) somewhere between the equilibrium point and maximum extension.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration is greatest in magnitude when the spring force is greatest, which occurs at the maximum extension (maximum lower travel) due to Hooke's Law (F = -kx). At this point, the acceleration is directed upward as the spring force acts to restore the mass to equilibrium.

A Mass Is Suspended Vertically from a Spring So It