Elastic Potential Energy Basics

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What is elastic potential energy?

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing.

What type of objects commonly store elastic potential energy?

Objects such as springs, rubber bands, and bungee cords store elastic potential energy.

What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance.

What is the formula for calculating the elastic potential energy stored in a spring?

The formula is E = 1/2 k x^2, where E is the elastic potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement from equilibrium.

What does the spring constant (k) represent in Hooke's Law?

The spring constant (k) represents the stiffness of the spring. A larger k value indicates a stiffer spring.