In: Physics
Is it possible for the potential energy and kinetic energy to both be maximum at the same moment in time for a bouncing spring? Explain.
No, the potential energy and kinetic energy can't be maximum at the same moment in time for a spring. The Total energy of spring (sum of Kinetic and potential energy) is constant. If at a moment the PE is maximum then KE of block attached to the spring will be zero and if KE is maximum at that point the PE stored in spring will be zero.
In a block attached to spring, the energy oscillate back and forth, between kinetic and potential going completely from one form of energy to other as the system oscillate.
As the motion of block and spring system starts with all of energy stored in spring a elastic potential energy, the PE is converted into Kinetic energy becoming entirely KE at equilibrium position. The energy is then converted back to PE by spring as it is stretched or compressed. The velocity become zero, KE is completely converted into PE. This cycle of oscillating energy repeats as there is no damping ( in ideal case) .
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