Answer
The acceleration is greatest in magnitude and is directed downward when:
(a) The spring is relaxed.
Work Step by Step
Initially, the only force acting on the body is the downward force of gravity since the spring is in its relaxed position. The body starts with a speed of zero but a maximum acceleration downward.
As the body falls, the spring stretches and exerts an upward force on the body which reduces the magnitude of the downward acceleration.
The acceleration is greatest in magnitude and is directed downward when:
(a) The spring is relaxed.
