Question:
The two ends of a spring are displaced along the length of the spring. All displacements have equal magnitudes. In which case or cases the tension or compression in the spring will have a maximum magnitude?
(a) the right end is displaced towards right and the left end towards left
(b) both ends are displaced towards right
(c) both ends are displaced towards left
(d) the right end is displaced towards left and the left end towards right.
Solution:
Maximum magnitude in tension is when the right end is displaced towards right and the left end towards left. Maximum magnitude in compression is when the right end is displaced towards left and the left end towards right. (a), (d)