Final answer:
The term for the energy available for use, when a deformed elastic object returns to its original configuration, is elastic potential energy. It is described by the formula PEel = (1/2)kx^2, where k is the force constant and x is the deformation from equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy available for use when a deformed elastic object returns to its original configuration is known as elastic potential energy. This form of energy is associated with the deformation of any system that can be described by Hooke's law, which typically includes materials like springs. When a force is applied to deform an object, like compressing a spring or stretching a rubber band, no energy is lost to sound or thermal energy, so all the work done is stored as potential energy within the object. Once the force is removed and the object returns to its original shape, this stored energy can do work.
Understanding Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy (PEel) is given by the formula PEel = (1/2)kx2, where k represents the force constant of the system, and x is the amount of deformation from its equilibrium position. The force constant is indicative of the rigidity of the system: a larger force constant signifies a more rigid system. Therefore, when an object that can be elastically deformed is manipulated, it will accumulate elastic potential energy, which can be converted to other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, once the deforming force is released.