When the trolley switch equipment is storing energy

What is going on with the trolley and the spring?

Well, most of the description of what is going on with the trolley and the spring, especially in the beginning, is correct. Stretching the spring gives it potential energy; when it is released, that energy is transferred to the trolley as kinetic energy.

How does a trolley change direction?

In terms of energy: In order to change direction, the trolley needs to come to rest momentarily, having zero kinetic energy. However, the trolley already has kinetic energy as it is moving ‘forwards’. The restoring force works against the trolley and reduces this energy, but it takes some time to bring it to zero.

How is a trolley connected to a mass?

The trolley and mass are joined by an inextensible string. In an experiment to investigate energy changes, the trolley is initially held at rest, and is then released so that the mass falls vertically to the ground. everything is clear to me, except this part in red.

Does a trolley have kinetic energy?

However, the trolley already has kinetic energy as it is moving ‘forwards’. The restoring force works against the trolley and reduces this energy, but it takes some time to bring it to zero. In terms of forces: The restoring force is the only force acting on the trolley, in the opposite direction of its movement.

How does a trolley move back?

In terms of forces, there is a restoring force pulling the spring back towards the equilibrium position, which makes the trolley move back. When the spring goes back to the original length, there is no force on it, (yes, it has maximum speed) but it continues to move because of Newton’s first law.

What causes a trolley to decelerate?

In terms of forces: The restoring force is the only force acting on the trolley, in the opposite direction of its movement. Using Newton’s second law, this causes it to decelerate. It takes some time to reduce its velocity to zero and make it move with negative velocity.