Set up the cart-spring-weight system as shown in the diagram below. The track should be level.

a)  In general, how is the mechanical energy of a system defined?

b)  Imagine your cart-spring-weight system in motion (or better yet, set it in motion and observe it!). What kinds of energy would you associate with the system during the oscillation?

c)  Write a complete expression for the total mechanical energy of the system. Your expression should include all known and measurable quantities (mass, position, velocity, etc.) Clearly define all of the variables in your equation. (For example, “M is the mass of the cart”.)