Elastic Potential Energy
Solve for the energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring. This tool uses the quadratic relationship between displacement and energy to provide precise Joules results.
What is elastic potential energy?
Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an elastic object (like a spring or a rubber band) when it is stretched or compressed. It depends on the object's stiffness and the distance it is displaced from its equilibrium position.
What is the formula for elastic potential energy?
The formula is U = ½kΔx², where U is the potential energy, k is the spring constant (stiffness), and Δx is the displacement (the distance the object is stretched or compressed).
What is the "Spring Constant" (k)?
The spring constant measures how stiff a spring is. A higher k value means the spring is harder to stretch or compress. It is measured in Newtons per meter (N/m).
What happens to the energy if the displacement is doubled?
Because displacement is squared in the formula (Δx²), doubling the displacement will quadruple (increase by 4 times) the stored energy.