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Elastic Potential Energy Formula:
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Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in elastic materials as a result of their stretching or compressing. It is equal to the work done to stretch or compress the spring, which depends on the spring constant and the displacement from the equilibrium position.
The calculator uses the elastic potential energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that elastic potential energy is proportional to the square of the displacement and directly proportional to the spring constant.
Details: Elastic potential energy is fundamental in various applications including mechanical watches, trampolines, bows and arrows, shock absorbers, and many engineering systems that use springs for energy storage.
Tips: Enter the spring constant in newtons per meter (N/m) and the displacement in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will provide the elastic potential energy in joules (J) along with detailed solution steps.
Q1: What is the spring constant?
A: The spring constant (k) is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It represents the force required to stretch or compress the spring by a unit length.
Q2: Does the formula work for compression and extension?
A: Yes, the elastic potential energy formula works for both compression and extension of springs, as long as the displacement is measured from the equilibrium position.
Q3: What are the units of elastic potential energy?
A: Elastic potential energy is measured in joules (J) in the SI system, where 1 J = 1 N·m.
Q4: Is the potential energy always positive?
A: Yes, since both the spring constant and the square of displacement are always positive values, the elastic potential energy is always positive.
Q5: Does this formula apply to all elastic materials?
A: This specific formula applies to ideal springs that obey Hooke's Law. For non-linear elastic materials, more complex formulas are needed.