One end of a light spring of spring constant k is fixed to a wall and the other end is tied to a block placed on a smooth horizontal surface. In a displacement, the work done by the spring is `+(1/2)kx^(2)`. The possible cases are.

Options

A. the spring was initially compressed by a distance `x` and was finally in its natural length
B. it was initially in its natural length and finally in a compressed position
C. it was initially stretched by a distance `x` and finally was in its natural length
D. it was initially in its natural length and finally in a stretched position.

Answer

A, C

Explanation

As work is done by the spring, therefore, there are only two possibilities`:` the spring was initially compressed by a distance `x` and has come to its natural length or the spring was initialy stretched by distance `x` and finally comes to its natural length. Choices `(a)` and `(c)` are correct.