Elastic Potential Energy Physics Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the elastic potential energy stored in a spring within a stapler, given its relaxed length and spring constant. The context is rooted in the principles of elastic potential energy in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the elastic potential energy using the formula provided, but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their result. Some participants question whether the answer is expected in different units.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing supportive feedback and clarifying the original poster's concerns about the magnitude of the result. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculation yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's problem is similar to another, suggesting a possible shared context or assignment. There is no indication of additional constraints or specific homework rules mentioned.

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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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