Elastic Potential Energy Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What is the equation for the elastic potential energy stored in a stretched spring?

$E_e = \frac{1}{2}ke^2$ (½ × spring constant × extension²)

What assumption must be made when using $E_e = \frac{1}{2}ke^2$?

That the limit of proportionality of the spring has not been exceeded.

In $E_e = \frac{1}{2}ke^2$, what do $k$ and $e$ stand for, and in what units?

$k$ is the spring constant in N/m and $e$ is the extension in metres (m).

What are the steps to calculate the elastic potential energy stored in a stretched spring?
e.g. spring constant 200 N/m, extension 0.10 m

1. Square the extension: $0.10^2 = 0.01$
2. Multiply by $k$: $200 \times 0.01 = 2$
3. Halve it: $E_e = 1$ J

True or false? In $E_e = \frac{1}{2}ke^2$, $e$ is the stretched length of the spring.

False. $e$ is the extension — the increase in length from its natural length.