Elastic Potential Energy Physics Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the elastic potential energy stored in a spring within a stapler, given its relaxed length and spring constant. The user correctly identifies the necessary parameters: relaxed length of 0.115 m, spring constant of 51 N/m, and the extension of the spring to 0.150 m, resulting in a displacement of 0.035 m. Using the formula for elastic potential energy, the user calculates 0.031 Joules but questions the correctness of this small value. Other participants confirm the calculation is accurate, suggesting that the small energy value is expected in this context. The conversation highlights the importance of verifying calculations in physics problems.
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Homework Statement


The staples inside a stapler are kept in place by a spring with a relaxed length of 0.115 m. If the spring constant is 51 N/m, how much elastic potential energy is stored in the spring when its length is 0.150 m?

Ok, so:
Relaxed length= 0.115 m
k= 51 N/m
x= .150-.115= .035 m


Homework Equations


PE elastic = 1/2kx^2


The Attempt at a Solution


I did PE elastic = 1/2(51)(.035)^2 and got 0.031 Joules, but this doesn't seem correct. Am I doing something wrong?
 
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Seems fine. Is the answer sought in some other units?
 
No, I just wanted to double check to see if I did the problem correctly. I guess I wasn't expecting such a small number. Thanks for the help.
 
Welcome!
 
Woaa.. i have this exact problem with slightly different numbers... Are you doing homework for utexas?
 

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