ET unit 7 -- elastic potential energy

Front

What is elastic potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What does the spring constant (k) indicate?

Back

The spring constant (k) indicates the stiffness of a spring; a higher value means a stiffer spring.

Front

How is elastic potential energy calculated?

Back

Elastic potential energy (EPE) is calculated using the formula EPE = 1/2 k x², where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.

Front

What happens to elastic potential energy when a spring is compressed?

Back

When a spring is compressed, elastic potential energy is stored in the spring, increasing as the compression increases.

Front

What is the relationship between force and displacement in a spring?

Back

The force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position, described by Hooke's Law: F = kx.

Front

What does a low spring constant indicate about a spring?

Back

A low spring constant indicates that the spring is weak and stretches easily under applied force.

Front

What is Hooke's Law?

Back

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to the displacement of the spring from its rest position, expressed as F = kx.

Front

What is the significance of the slope in a force vs. displacement graph for a spring?

Back

The slope of the graph represents the spring constant (k), indicating how stiff the spring is.

Front

What is the effect of increasing the displacement on the elastic potential energy?

Back

Increasing the displacement increases the elastic potential energy stored in the spring, as it is proportional to the square of the displacement.

Front

What is the unit of spring constant (k)?

Back

The unit of spring constant (k) is Newtons per meter (N/m).