Equations
Elastic potential energy of a spring
Energy · id spring_potential_energy
U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2
| Symbol | Quantity | Unit | Meaning | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
U | elastic potential energy | J | Energy stored in the spring | 0 to 1e+08 |
k | spring constant | N/m | Stiffness of the spring | 0.1 to 1e+07 |
x | extension | m | Stretch or compression from the natural length | 0 to 100 |
Assumptions
- Ideal spring within its elastic limit
Valid when
- Small deformations only
Found by
Questions with these words retrieve this equation: spring, elastic potential energy, stored energy, compress, stretch, launcher.
Source
OpenStax University Physics Volume 1, Chapter 8 (reference; entry written by the project). License: MIT. Entry confidence: 0.99.