Exam-style question
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During the oscillation of a mass-spring system, what happens to the total mechanical energy?.
- A.It remains constant.
- B.It increases.
- C.It decreases.
- D.It fluctuates randomly.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It remains constant.
Explanation
Why this works
In a frictionless mass-spring system undergoing simple harmonic motion, the total mechanical energy remains constant as it is conserved, alternating between kinetic and potential energy.
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