Energy maxima in vertical mass-spring oscillation

Steps:

• Identify GPE maximum: GPE = mgh, highest at maximum height (top point).
• Identify EPE maximum: EPE = (1/2)kx², highest at maximum spring deformation from natural length (top point in this setup).
• Identify KE maximum: KE highest where total PE is minimum, at equilibrium position (middle point).
• Verify with conservation: Total mechanical energy constant; maxima align without overlap.

Why C is correct:

• Matches GPE and EPE maxima at top (high height and deformation) and KE maximum at middle (min PE), per conservation of energy.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: GPE cannot maximize at bottom (lowest height).
• B: EPE maximizes at top, not bottom, due to deformation location.
• D: KE is zero at top (turning point), not maximum.

Final answer: C