Spring Potential Energy

Jane's spring has a force constant of k = 100 N/m. The rest length of her spring is 2 m. Can you compute the change in the spring potential energy as Jane moves the end of her spring between the following points? Please include the units.

1. Jane moves the spring from point A (20 m) to point B (21 m).
2. Jane moves the spring from point C (70 m) to point D (72 m) .
3. Jane moves the spring from point D (72 m) to point E (72 m).
4. Jane moves the spring from point F (48 m) to point G (47 m).

Are all these changes the same? Why or why not?

Let's change things a bit. What if we take the change in SPE, and divide it by the change in distance from the spring? Please compute that quantity for each of the following, and include the units.

1. Jane moves the spring from point A (20 m) to point B (21 m).
2. Jane moves the spring from point C (70 m) to point D (72 m).
3. Jane moves the spring from point D (72 m) to point E (72 m).
4. Jane moves the spring from point F (48 m) to point G (47 m).

Are all these changes the same? Why or why not?

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