Elastic Potential Energy

There are 2 equations about elasticity, what are they? (symbol and word equation)

• F = ke

  (Force (N) = Spring constant (N/m) x Extension (m))

• Ee​ = 1/2​ke²

• (Elastic potential energy (J) = 1/2 x Spring constant (N/m) x extension 'squared' (m))

Define elastic potential energy.


The energy transferred to an object as it is stretched

When you stretch a spring you send energy to its elastic potential energy store, what happens to the energy after you release the spring and it goes back to its original shape?


The energy will leave the elastic potential energy store and transfer back out as another form - usually kinetic

What does that gradient on a force-extension graph represent? 


The spring constant

What does the area under the line (curve) on a force-extension graph represent?



The elastic potential energy