Elastic potential energy — Science definition
Energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic object such as a spring: PE = ½kx².
Where it is taught
- Kinetic & Potential Energy — Work, Energy & Momentum, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Springs and other elastic objects store a third kind: elastic potential energy, PE = ½kx², where k is the spring constant (the spring's stiffness) and x is how far it is stretched or compressed from its natural length.
Kinetic & Potential Energy
Questions using elastic potential energy
Problem 1
A spring with spring constant k = 500 N/m is compressed 0.20 m. Find the elastic potential energy stored.
Answer and explanation
10 J
PE = ½kx² = ½ × 500 × 0.20² = ½ × 500 × 0.04 = 10 J.
Problem 2
A spring with spring constant k = 600 N/m is compressed 0.10 m. Find the elastic potential energy stored.
Answer and explanation
3 J
PE = ½kx² = ½ × 600 × 0.10² = ½ × 600 × 0.01 = 3.0 J.