Loading a Spring (optional)
A 1 kg weight is attached to an initially unstretched spring
(spring constant k = 100 N/m) and then lowered gently
until the spring holds it up without moving.
(a)
FBD: How far does the spring stretch?
(b)
Energy Conservation: How much potential energy
is now stored in the spring? Compare this with the change in
gravitational potential energy of the mass. Comment.