A particle of mass 0.3 kg is subjected to a force F = -k x with k = 15 N/m. What will be its initial acceleration if it is released from a point x = 20 cm ?
Given, x = 20 cm = 0.2 m,
k = 15 N/m, m = 0.3 kg
Acceleration, a =Fm=−kxm=−15(0.2)0.3
= −30.3=−10m/s2 (deceleration)
So, the acceleration is 10m/s2 opposite to the direction of motion.