Answer to Question #98799 in Mechanics | Relativity for Christiana

Question

Describe the energy exchange that occur as clock spring unwinds.

Answer 1

The potential energy stored in the cocked clock spring is transferred to the clock turn mechanism by means of the regulator and the anchor, the first of which is an oscillator with a certain natural frequency, and the second provides the transfer of force from the cocked spring during part of the regulator's oscillation period to the clock turn mechanism. In short, the energy stored in the cocked spring periodically, through the “crane” open for a while, goes to turn the arrow, i.e. to overcome the frictional force, and eventually turns into heat.