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A block of mass $m$ is at natural length initially.It is attached to two springs having spring constant $k1$ and $k2$. It is attached in such a way that when one elongates ,the other compresses.Using work energy theorem , I need to find the velocity of the block at half the amplitude of release of the block. Spring stores energy as $0.5kx^2$. The sign is decided if the force by spring is opposing displacement($-ve$) or along displacement($+ve$). Is this concept also applied in Work-energy equation where initial system energy is equal to final energy system?

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  • $\begingroup$ Energy is a scalar quantity. It has no sign $\endgroup$ – Bob D Apr 21 at 7:47
  • $\begingroup$ So does it mean we take the mod of energy in each object in system for initial and final energy in Work-Energy conservation equation? $\endgroup$ – LGEYH Apr 21 at 7:49
  • $\begingroup$ The change in kinetic energy can be positive or negative but the value of kinetic energy has no sign $\endgroup$ – Bob D Apr 21 at 7:55
  • $\begingroup$ Kinetic energy depends on v squared. It is always positive. Spring energy is similar. $\endgroup$ – R.W. Bird Apr 21 at 16:07
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The change in kinetic energy of a system has sign.

Whereas change in potential energy of a system solely depends on reference.

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