A mass attached to a spring and allowed to oscillate horizontally on a tabletop is subject to both the restoring force of the spring and the force of friction. a) Which of these forces does work? If they do work, is it always positive, always negative, or does the sign vary? b) An energy is defined for only one of these two forces. Which is it, and why? Edit View Insert Format Tools Table 12pt v Paragraph v BI UA 2v T? v:

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question
**Work and Energy in Oscillatory Motion**

A mass attached to a spring and allowed to oscillate horizontally on a tabletop is subject to both the restoring force of the spring and the force of friction.

**a) Which of these forces does work? If they do work, is it always positive, always negative, or does the sign vary?**

**b) An energy is defined for only one of these two forces. Which is it, and why?**

---

For further understanding, it is crucial to analyze the forces acting on the oscillating mass:

**Restoring Force of the Spring:** This force is responsible for bringing the mass back to its equilibrium position. The work done by this force can be both positive and negative depending on the direction of the displacement relative to the force.

**Force of Friction:** This force opposes the motion of the mass, acting in the direction opposite to the velocity at any point. The work done by the friction force is always negative as it always acts in a direction to remove kinetic energy from the system.

**Explanation of Energy:**

Energy is defined specifically for the restoring force of the spring. This is known as the potential energy stored in the spring, usually referred to as elastic potential energy. The frictional force dissipates energy as thermal energy, which is not stored in the system in a recoverable way.

For further inquiries and detailed explanations, please explore the sections:
- [Work and Energy Principles](#)
- [Oscillatory Motion Dynamics](#)
- [Frictional Forces Analysis](#)

Feel free to reach out to our educational support team for any questions.
Transcribed Image Text:**Work and Energy in Oscillatory Motion** A mass attached to a spring and allowed to oscillate horizontally on a tabletop is subject to both the restoring force of the spring and the force of friction. **a) Which of these forces does work? If they do work, is it always positive, always negative, or does the sign vary?** **b) An energy is defined for only one of these two forces. Which is it, and why?** --- For further understanding, it is crucial to analyze the forces acting on the oscillating mass: **Restoring Force of the Spring:** This force is responsible for bringing the mass back to its equilibrium position. The work done by this force can be both positive and negative depending on the direction of the displacement relative to the force. **Force of Friction:** This force opposes the motion of the mass, acting in the direction opposite to the velocity at any point. The work done by the friction force is always negative as it always acts in a direction to remove kinetic energy from the system. **Explanation of Energy:** Energy is defined specifically for the restoring force of the spring. This is known as the potential energy stored in the spring, usually referred to as elastic potential energy. The frictional force dissipates energy as thermal energy, which is not stored in the system in a recoverable way. For further inquiries and detailed explanations, please explore the sections: - [Work and Energy Principles](#) - [Oscillatory Motion Dynamics](#) - [Frictional Forces Analysis](#) Feel free to reach out to our educational support team for any questions.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Mechanical Work done
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON