Calculating the Maximum Energy Stored in a Compressed Spring

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To calculate the maximum energy stored in a compressed spring, the correct formula is E_e = (1/2)kx^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the compression distance. The spring constant provided is 5.0 x 10^5 Nm^-1, and the compression distance is 8 cm (0.08 m). Plugging in these values results in an energy calculation of 2.0 x 10^5 J. However, there is a discrepancy with the book's answer of 1.6 x 10^3 J, indicating a possible error in the problem setup or interpretation. Clarifying the problem statement may help resolve this inconsistency.
Stroodle
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Hi there,

For this question, I've been asked to calculate the maximum energy a spring can store when compressed by 8cm. I've already found the spring constant to be 5.0\times 10^5\ Nm^{-1} (which is correct), so I thought it was just a simple matter of pluggung the values into the formula: E_e=\frac{1}{2}kx^2

When I do this I get the answer: 2.0\times10^5\ J, but the book says the answer is 1.6\times10^3\ JThanks for your help
 
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