An ideal spring is hung vertically from the ceiling. When a 2.0-kg mass hangs at rest from it the spring is extended 6.0 cm from its relaxed length. A downward external force is now applied to the mass to extend the spring an additional 10 cm. While the spring is being extended by the force, the work done by the spring is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by the spring is negative because the spring force is opposite to the direction of the displacement. The work done by the spring is calculated using the formula W = -1/2 k x^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement. The spring constant k can be found using Hooke's law (F = kx) from the initial extension due to the 2.0-kg mass.

An Ideal Spring Is Hung Vertically from the Ceiling