A 2.37-kg mass is pushed against a horizontal spring of force constant 27.3 N/cm

Question

A 2.37-kg mass is pushed against a horizontal spring of force constant 27.3 N/cm on a frictionless air table. The spring is attached to the tabletop, and the mass is not attached to the spring in any way. When the spring has been compressed enough to store 12.3 J of potential energy in it, the mass is suddenly released from rest.

What is the greatest acceleration of the mass?
When does it occur? (when the force on the mass is the greatest/least, when the spring has its maximum/minimum compression)

Explanation / Answer

energy stored in the spring is 1/2kx2=12.3 k=spring force constant=27.3N/cm. x=v2*12.3/27.3=0.94cm force due to the spring on the mass is kx=27.3*.94= 25.91N ?greatest acceleration=force /m=25.91/2.37= 10.93m/s2
force on the mass is max. when spring is compressed max. and min. when it is released.

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