Elastic Potential Energy

• What is elastic potential energy?

  Energy stored in a stretched spring
• How is elastic potential energy related to a stretched spring?

  It is energy stored when the spring is stretched
• What is the formula for calculating elastic potential energy?

  U = 0.5 * k * e^2
• What does applying a force to a spring do?

  It changes the length of the spring
• What is the symbol for extension in a spring?

  Lowercase e
• What happens when a spring is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality?

  It will not return to its original length
• What does a straight line on a graph of extension versus force indicate?

  Extension is directly proportional to force
• How do you convert extension from centimeters to meters?

  Divide by 100
• If a spring has an extension of 20 cm, what is its extension in meters?

  0.2 m
• Given a spring constant of 100 N/m and an extension of 0.2 m, what is the elastic potential energy?

  2 J
• What are the key points about the elastic potential energy equation?

  • Formula: U = 0.5 * k * e^2
  • Extension must be in meters
  • Spring constant varies by spring type
• What steps should you follow to calculate elastic potential energy?

  1. Identify the spring constant (k)
  2. Measure the extension (e) in meters
  3. Use the formula: U = 0.5 * k * e^2
• What are common applications of elastic potential energy?

  • Windup toys
  • Clocks
  • Stretched springs in various devices