ET unit 7 -- elastic potential energy

Front

What is elastic potential energy?

Back

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is deformed (stretched or compressed) and has the potential to return to its original shape.

Front

What does the spring constant (k) represent?

Back

The spring constant (k) is a measure of a spring's stiffness, indicating how much force is needed to stretch or compress the spring by a unit length.

Front

What is deformation in the context of springs?

Back

Deformation refers to the change in the spring's length when a force is applied, either stretching or compressing the 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 deformation (displacement from the equilibrium position).

Front

What is the relationship between force and deformation in springs?

Back

According to Hooke's Law, the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the deformation, expressed as F = kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the deformation.

Front

What type of springs have low spring constants?

Back

Weak springs have low spring constants, meaning they require less force to achieve a certain amount of deformation compared to stiff springs.

Front

What is the unit of measurement for spring constant (k)?

Back

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

Front

What instrument is used to measure force in Newtons?

Back

A spring scale is used to measure force in Newtons.

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, which can be released when the spring returns to its original shape.

Front

What is the significance of the equilibrium position in springs?

Back

The equilibrium position is the point where the spring is neither compressed nor stretched, and it is the position where the spring force is zero.