The potential energy of a spring and mass system is the energy stored in the spring when it is stretched or compressed. It is calculated as 1/2*k*x^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
The potential energy of a spring and mass system is directly proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position. As the displacement increases, so does the potential energy, and vice versa.
Yes, the mass of the object does affect the potential energy of a spring and mass system. The greater the mass, the greater the potential energy at a given displacement. This is because a heavier object will require more force to be stretched or compressed to the same displacement as a lighter object.
The spring constant, represented by the variable k, is a measure of the stiffness of the spring. A higher spring constant means the spring is stiffer and will require more force to be stretched or compressed to a given displacement. Therefore, a higher spring constant will result in a higher potential energy at a given displacement.
Yes, potential energy in a spring and mass system can be converted into kinetic energy when the mass is released and the spring returns to its equilibrium position. This conversion of energy follows the principle of conservation of energy, where energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.