# Regarding sign of energy stored in springs

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?

• Energy is a scalar quantity. It has no sign Apr 21, 2020 at 7:47
• 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? Apr 21, 2020 at 7:49
• The change in kinetic energy can be positive or negative but the value of kinetic energy has no sign Apr 21, 2020 at 7:55
• Kinetic energy depends on v squared. It is always positive. Spring energy is similar. Apr 21, 2020 at 16:07