A children's toy comprises a plastic semi-sphere mounted on top of a spring of spring constant 5×103 Nm−1 . The total mass of the toy is 25 g. The toy is used by compressing the spring by 1 cm. When it is let go, the toy jumps into the air. ( g=10 ms−2 )
a. a Calculate the total mechanical energy of the toy when the spring is fully compressed.
b. b By applying the conservation of mechanical energy, calculate the initial speed at which the toy moves upwards.
c. c Hence, calculate how high the toy can jump.