Elastic Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate the energy stored in a compressed or stretched spring.
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Enter the spring constant in N/m and the displacement from equilibrium in meters. The calculator instantly shows the elastic potential energy stored in the spring in joules.
About Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a deformed elastic material. For a spring obeying Hooke's law, this energy equals one-half k x squared, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from the natural length. This energy is always positive regardless of whether the spring is compressed or stretched. Elastic potential energy is fundamental to understanding oscillations, shock absorbers, and energy storage in mechanical systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elastic potential energy?
Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an elastic object (like a spring) when it is stretched or compressed. It equals one-half times the spring constant times the displacement squared.
Does the direction of displacement matter?
No. Since displacement is squared in the formula, both compression and extension store the same amount of energy for the same magnitude of displacement.
When is elastic potential energy released?
The stored energy converts to kinetic energy when the spring returns to its natural length. This principle is used in trampolines, bow and arrows, and mechanical watches.