SUMMARY
The elastic potential energy (Ep) stored in a compressed spring can be calculated using the formula Ep = 1/2 k x². In this discussion, a force of 5.00 N compresses a spring by 5.00 cm, leading to a spring constant (k) of 100 N/m. The final calculation reveals that the elastic potential energy stored in the spring is 0.125 J. This demonstrates the direct application of Hooke's Law in determining spring energy storage.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Hooke's Law
- Familiarity with the formula for elastic potential energy
- Basic knowledge of force and displacement measurements
- Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., cm to m)
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of the elastic potential energy formula Ep = 1/2 k x²
- Explore applications of Hooke's Law in real-world scenarios
- Learn about different types of springs and their characteristics
- Investigate energy conservation principles in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators teaching concepts related to energy and forces in springs.