Spring energy and work – Rankers Physics

Potential Energy & Equilibrium: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): If a spring is compressed, energy is stored in spring and when it is elongated, energy is released. Reason (R): Work done by spring force is equal to change in potential energy of the spring.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Potential Energy & Equilibrium. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Elastic potential energy `\(U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2\)` is stored in a spring when it is compressed or elongated. Energy is released when the spring moves towards its equilibrium position, not during elongation itself. Thus, assertion (A) is false. For a conservative force like spring force, `\(W = -\Delta U\)`, so work done by spring force is equal to the negative of the change in potential energy.

Thus, reason (R) is also false. Both assertion and reason are false.

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