This elastic potential energy calculator makes calculating a spring’s potential energy when stretched or compressed simple. Continue reading to learn more about this subject, including an elastic potential energy definition and a calculation example. The elastic potential energy calculator can compute potential energy and other potential energy factors like elastic force and elastic spring length.

There is also a calculator for potential energy, where you can learn more about this subject, so head to our Potential Energy Calculator. We also have a Malus Law Calculator if you want to learn more about it and about light polarization, alongside with Brewster’s Angle post. Also there we have our related math calculators such as Associative Property, 45 45 90 Triangle or Linear Equation Calculator.

## What is elastic potential energy?

The energy accumulated as a result of applying a force to deform an elastic item we know as elastic potential energy. The energy is retained until the force is withdrawn, at which point the item returns to its original shape and does work. The item might be compressed, stretched, or twisted due to the deformation. Many things, for example, are made particularly to store elastic potential energy:

• A wind-up clock’s coil spring
• The bow of an archer is extended out.
• Just before a diver jumps, a twisted diving board.
• A twisted rubber band powers a toy airplane.
• A bouncing ball has been squeezed as it bounces off a brick wall.

The elastic limit of an item intended to store elastic potential energy is normally high, but all elastic things have a limit to the load they can support. The object will not return to its original shape if it is deformed beyond the elastic limit. Wind-up mechanical timepieces powered by coil springs were prominent in previous generations. We don’t use wind-up cellphones anymore since there aren’t any materials with a high enough elastic limit to store elastic potential energy with a high enough energy density.

## How to calculate the elastic potential energy?

We must first examine Hooke’s law in order to determine the formula for the elastic potential energy of a spring. According to this rule, the force required to extend a spring is proportional to its displacement. Therefore, the spring’s potential energy is equal to its work, which is defined as a force multiplied by a distance. As a result, Hooke’s law provides us with our force.

This is the way hot to quickly determine its worth:

• Calculate k, the spring constant. We’ll use a spring with k = 80 N/m.
• Determine how much you want your spring to extend or compress. Consider compressing it by x= 0.15 m. It’s worth noting that the spring’s starting length isn’t critical in this case.
• In the spring potential energy formula, substitute these values: 12k x 2 = U
• Calculate the amount of energy. It will be U = 0.5 x 80 x 0.152 = 0.9 J in our example.

## Elastic potential energy formula

We may calculate elastic potential energy using the following formula:

Elastic \; Potential \; Energy = Force \times Displacement

It is calculated as the effort required to extend the spring, which is determined by the spring constant k and the stretched displacement.

The spring’s displacement is directly proportional to the force required to extend it. It’s written as

P.E.  = Magnitude \; of \; Force \times Displacement

## Spring potential energy equation

Spring is a popular tool, and its inertia is commonly overlooked due to its small mass. It’s common that when a spring is stressed, it will deform owing to compression. Then it reaches its equilibrium point. As a result, when a spring compresses or extends a body, it produces an equal and opposite force.

It’s the stored energy in a compressible or stretchy item, such as a spring, rubber band, or molecule. Elastic potential energy is another name for it. It’s the force multiplied by the movement’s distance.

There is no energy in the spring if it is in its normal position, i.e., not strained. However, if we move the spring from its regular location, the spring will be able to store energy due to its position. Potential energy is the name given to this type of energy. This is caused by the deformation of a certain elastic item, such as a spring. It also refers to the process of stretching the spring. It is determined by the spring constant ‘k’ and the stretched distance.

The formula for calculating potential spring energy is

Spring \; Potential \; Energy = Force \times Distance \; of \; Displacement

## Example

The spring constant of a truck spring is 5⋅104N/m. The vehicle sits 0.8 m above the road when unloaded. It descends to 0.7 m above the ground when laden with cargo. What is the total amount of potential energy stored in the four springs?

U=\frac{1}{2}k(\Delta x)^2 =\frac{1}{2} * 5* 10^4\frac{N}{m} * (0.1 m)^2 = 250 \displaystyle\frac{J}{spring} = 1000 \;J

## FAQ

Is elastic energy potential or kinetic?

Because elastic energy is held in the bonds between atoms in an item or material when it is briefly stressed, it is a type of potential energy. The item may have been stretched or squished, causing this tension.

Elastic potential energy definition physics.

The energy held in elastic materials as a result of stretching or compressing is known as elastic potential energy.

What is an example of elastic potential energy?

The energy held in elastic materials as a result of stretching or compressing is known as elastic potential energy. Rubber bands, bungee cords, trampolines, springs, an arrow pulled into a bow, and other elastic potential energy storage devices exist.