Question

The equation provided (from the textbook) first defines the elastic potential energy of a spring as ΔUsp = −(WB + WW), where WB is work the spring does on an attached block and WW is work the spring does on the wall to which it is attached. But WW is ignored in the next step. Why?

Answer 1

Answer:

The given potential energy of the spring is expressed as follows;

ΔUsp = -(WB + WW)

Where;

WB = Th work done by the spring on the block to which it is attached

WW = The work done by the spring on the wall

We recall that work done, W = Force applied × Distance moved in the direction of the force

The work done by the spring on the block, WB = The spring force × The distance the block moves

The work done by the spring on the wall, WW = The spring force × The distance the wall moves

However, given that the wall does not move, we have;

The distance the wall moves = 0

∴ The work done by the spring on the wall, WW = The spring force × 0 = 0 J

Therefore, WW = 0 J, and the spring does not do work on the wall, and WW can be ignored in the next subsequent) steps

Explanation: