Jim releases a compressed spring. Describe the energy transformation taking place in the spring. a. Potential energy to kinetic energy, and total energy is conserved. b. Kinetic energy to potential energy, and some energy is lost as heat. c. Kinetic energy to potential energy, and potential energy is equal to kinetic energy. d. Potential energy to kinetic energy, and potential energy is always greater than kinetic energy.
Biology · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
The correct description of the energy transformation taking place in the compressed spring when Jim releases it is: a. Potential energy to kinetic energy, and total energy is conserved.
Initially, when the spring is compressed, it possesses stored potential energy due to its deformation. As Jim releases the spring, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the spring returns to its original shape and starts to move. Throughout this process, assuming no energy losses due to factors such as friction or heat dissipation, the total energy (sum of kinetic and potential energies) remains constant, demonstrating the conservation of energy.