Question

A spring of spring constant k is stretched by distance r. Obtain formula for

elastic potential energy of a stretched spring. Plot graph of energies versus

distance.​

Answer 1

We can compute Elastic potential energy by using fundamental formula as below:

Elastic potential energy = force

×

displacement.

It is computed as the work done to stretch the spring which depends on the spring constant k and the displacement stretched.

According to Hooke’s law, the force applied to stretch the spring is directly proportional to the amount of stretch. In other words,

The force required to stretch the spring is directly proportional to its displacement. It is given as

P.E. = Magnitude of Force × Displacement

P.E. = ½kx²