Elastic Potential Energy Physics Example 1

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Example 1

easy
A spring with spring constant k=400 N/mk = 400 \text{ N/m} is compressed by 0.05 m0.05 \text{ m}. How much elastic potential energy is stored in the spring?

Solution

  1. 1
    Use the elastic potential energy formula: PEelastic=12kx2PE_{\text{elastic}} = \frac{1}{2}kx^2.
  2. 2
    PE=12(400)(0.05)2=12(400)(0.0025)=0.5 JPE = \frac{1}{2}(400)(0.05)^2 = \frac{1}{2}(400)(0.0025) = 0.5 \text{ J}
  3. 3
    This energy is available to be converted to kinetic energy when the spring is released.

Answer

PEelastic=0.5 JPE_{\text{elastic}} = 0.5 \text{ J}
Elastic potential energy is stored in deformed elastic objects such as springs, rubber bands, and bows. It depends on the square of the deformation, so doubling the compression quadruples the stored energy.

About Elastic Potential Energy

Energy stored in an elastic object that has been stretched or compressed from its natural length.

Learn more about Elastic Potential Energy →

More Elastic Potential Energy Examples

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Example 3 medium

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Example 4 hard

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