Two carts connected by a 0.05 m spring hit a wall, compressing the spring to 0.02 m. The spring constant k is

N

100

m

What is the elastic potential energy stored from the spring's compression?

Choose 1 answer:

-3.0J

-0.045 J

0.090 J

0.045 J

0.045 J

Explanation:

From the question,

The elastic potential energy stored in a spring is given as,

E = 1/2ke² ... Equation 1

Where E = elastic potential energy, k = spring constant, e = compression.

Given: k = 100 N/m, e = 0.05-0.02 = 0.03 m

Substitute these values into equation 1

E = 1/2 (100) (0.03²)

E = 50 (9*10⁻⁴)

E = 0.045 J

Hence the right option is 0.045 J