A spring is kept compressed by a small trolley of mass 0.5 kg lying on a smooth horizontal surface as shown. When the trolley is released, it is found to move at a speed of v = 2 m/s-1. What potential energy did the spring possess when compressed?
A spring is kept compressed by a small trolley of mass 0.5 kg lying on a smooth horizontal surface as shown. When the trolley is released, it is found to move at a speed of v = 2 m/s-1. What potential energy did the spring possess when compressed?

Answer –

According to the question –

Mass of trolley is 0.5 kg

Velocity is 2 m / s

The potential energy of the compressed spring is totally converted into kinetic energy when it is released.

The kinetic energy of a moving trolley equals the potential energy of a compressed spring.

Using the expression of kinetic energy –

Kinetic energy of trolley = 1 / 2 × mass × (velocity)2

= 1 / 2 × 0.5 × (2)2 = 1 / 2 × 0.5 × 2 × 2

= 1J

Therefore, the potential energy of compressed spring  = 1.0J