MCAT Physics Question 25: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 25

10. A massless spring initially compressed by a displacement of two centimeters is now compressed by four centimeters. How has the potential energy of this system changed?

A. The potential energy has not changed.
B. The potential energy has doubled.
C. The potential energy has increased by two joules.
D. The potential energy has quadrupled.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Elastic potential energy, like kinetic energy, is related to the square of another variable, as shown by the equation

Increasing the displacement by a factor of 2 increases the potential energy by a factor of 2² = 4.

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