Strain Energy: Potential Power in Stretching

AI Thread Summary
Strain energy is considered a form of potential energy because it represents the work done in stretching a material, such as a wire. This energy is stored as elastic energy and can be released when the tension is removed, allowing the material to return to its original shape. However, if the wire is stretched beyond its elastic limit, it may undergo plastic deformation or break, resulting in a loss of this stored energy. Understanding strain energy is crucial in applications involving materials under tension. Overall, it highlights the relationship between mechanical work and energy storage in elastic materials.
KatieKangaroo
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why is strain energy (i.e. the work done in stretching a wire) regarded as a form of potential energy?
ehm i don't really know how to explain this. anyone help?
 
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Because it is a form of elastic energy, that will spring back when the tension is released, provided that you do not stretch the wire until either (a.) you get plastic deformation, or (b.) you reach the ultimate tensile strength and snap the wire into death shards.
 

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