Question

A ball is placed on a compressed spring. What form of energy does the spring possess? On releasing the spring, the ball flies away. Give a reason. $\left[3\text{marks}\right]$

Answer 1

When a spring is compressed, it possesses elastic potential energy due to its change in shape. The work done to compress the spring is stored as potential energy.
$\left[1\text{mark}\right]$

When the ball is placed on the compressed spring and the spring is released, the stored potential energy of the spring will get transferred into the ball which increases the kinentic energy of the ball. Hence, the ball flies away.
$\left[2\text{mark}\right]$