Physics Review Question

Unit: Work and Energy
Year: 1994 Question#: 20
Question: A force of 0.2 newton is needed to compress a spring a distance of 0.02 meter. The potential energy stored in this compressed spring is

(1 ) 8 x 10-5 J
(2 ) 2 x 10-3 J
(3 ) 2 x 10-5 J
(4 ) 4 x 10-5 J

What is this question really asking?




Explanation by: Jay D

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Answer 1
8 x 10-5 J

INCORRECT

This one is wrong. The formula that should have been used is: Pes=1/2kX2 In order to use this formula you need to find k. k=F/X k=.2N/.02m so k=10N/m return to top























Answer 2
2 x 10-3 J

CORRECT

The formula to use is PEs=1/2kX2
In order to use this formula you need to find k. k=F/X k=.2N/.02m so k=10N/m
PEs=1/2(10N/m)(.02m/s2)
PEs=2 x 10-3 J return to top



























Answer 3
2 x 10-5 J

INCORRECT

Your on the right track but check the exponent. return to top


























Answer 4
4 x 10-5 J

INCORRECT

The formula to use is PEs=1/2kX2
In order to use this formula you need to find k using F = kx return to top


























What's this question really asking?
How much potential energy is stored in a compressed spring?
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