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Energy stored in springs and deformation

Forces and motion • Forces and elasticity

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a spring when it is stretched or compressed.
  • The amount of energy stored in the spring can be calculated using the formula: E = 0.5kx^2, where E represents energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
  • When a spring is at rest, it has a natural length.
  • When force is applied, the spring stretches or compresses, causing it to store energy.
  • This stored energy can be released when the force is removed, allowing the spring to return to its original shape.

Flashcards

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What factors affect the energy stored in a spring?

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The energy stored in a spring depends on the spring constant and the amount of deformation.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Elastic potential energy can be calculated using the formula E = 0.5kx^2.

When applying force, springs deform either by stretching or compressing.

Hooke's Law applies as long as the elastic limit of the spring is not exceeded.

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