Question

A ball is placed on a compressed spring. As the spring is released, the ball is observed to fly away. Why does that happen? What form of energy does the compressed spring possess?

Answer 1

• When the compressed spring is released, it quickly returns to its original shape and size. During this process, the energy stored in the compressed spring is transferred to the ball, converting into kinetic energy (energy of motion). This kinetic energy exerts a force on the ball, causing it to fly away.
• The compressed spring possesses elastic potential energy.