Elastic potential energy and natural length of a spring- relation?

In summary, elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a material or system when it is stretched or compressed. It is related to the restoring force of the material or system and is directly proportional to the distance it is stretched or compressed from its natural length. The factors that affect elastic potential energy include the spring constant and displacement from the natural length. The elastic potential energy of a spring can be calculated using the formula E = 1/2 * k * x^2. This energy can be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy, when the spring is released.
  • #1
Stormzy67
2
0
Homework Statement
The question states, a spring of length 0.5m is can be extended by 0.05m before fracturing, storing elastic energy ‘U’. Now, another spring of the same material but of half the length(0.25) is also stretched to its maximum extension.
What will be the new elastic energy in terms of ‘U’?
Relevant Equations
F=kx , E=1/2 kx^2, Young’s modulus?
I figured out that the spring constant is inversely proportional to the natural length, but there’s still an unknown change in a quantity( most likely extension).
 
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  • #2
Is there something that’s the same for both springs at the point where they break?
 
  • #3
The strain?
 
  • #4
Stormzy67 said:
The strain?
Yes. Also, the force.
 

1. What is elastic potential energy?

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a spring or other elastic object when it is stretched or compressed. This energy is potential because it has the ability to do work when the object returns to its original shape or position.

2. How is the elastic potential energy of a spring related to its natural length?

The elastic potential energy of a spring is directly proportional to its natural length. This means that as the spring's natural length increases, so does the amount of elastic potential energy it can store. Similarly, as the natural length decreases, the amount of elastic potential energy decreases.

3. What is the natural length of a spring?

The natural length of a spring is the length at which it exerts no force. It is also known as the equilibrium length or the rest length. This is the length that the spring will return to when there is no external force acting on it.

4. How is the natural length of a spring determined?

The natural length of a spring is determined by its material and physical properties, such as its length, diameter, and material stiffness. It is also affected by any external factors, such as temperature and pressure. The natural length can be calculated using Hooke's law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from its natural length.

5. How does the natural length of a spring affect its elasticity?

The natural length of a spring is directly related to its elasticity. A longer natural length means that the spring is more elastic and can store more elastic potential energy. On the other hand, a shorter natural length indicates a less elastic spring that can store less elastic potential energy. This is because the natural length determines the spring constant, which is a measure of the spring's stiffness and elasticity.

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