Question

A spring is compressed storing potential energy. When the spring is released it propels an object forward. What change would you notice in the total mechanical energy of the system?
(a) It increases
(b) It decreases
(c) It becomes zero
(d) It remains constant

April 24, 2024

Answer

(d) It remains constant

Reason — When the spring is compressed, it stores potential energy. Upon release, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the spring propels an object forward. Assuming there are no significant external forces acting on the system (such as friction), the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant.

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