# A 2 kg block is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 200 N m⁻¹. The block is pulled 0.1 m to compress the spring and then released. Describe the energy changes that take place from the moment the block is held in the compressed position until it comes to rest after the first oscillation.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.1.1 Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The spring stores elastic potential energy when compressed.
2. When released, the stored elastic potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of the block at the equilibrium position.
3. The kinetic energy is then converted back into elastic potential energy on the opposite side of the equilibrium, reaching the same maximum value.
4. Energy losses due to friction/air resistance dissipate the mechanical energy as heat, so the block comes to rest after the first oscillation.

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-2-kg-block-is-attached-1b6e7bab) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.