Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic material, such as a spring. It is a type of potential energy that is the result of the deformation of an object.
The formula for calculating elastic potential energy is E = 1/2 kx², where E is the elastic potential energy, k is the spring constant and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position.
The spring constant directly affects the amount of elastic potential energy stored in a spring. A higher spring constant means that the spring is stiffer and will require more force to stretch or compress, resulting in a higher amount of elastic potential energy.
Yes, elastic potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, when the spring is released and returns to its equilibrium position. This is the basis for many devices that use springs, such as pogo sticks and trampolines.
Acceleration is directly related to the amount of elastic potential energy stored in a spring. As the spring is stretched or compressed, the acceleration of the object attached to the spring increases, resulting in a higher amount of elastic potential energy being stored.