Question

Spring potential energy is proportional to

a. The distance the spring is stretched or compressed
b. The square of the distance the spring is stretched or compressed
c. The length of the spring
d. The square of the length of the spring

Answer 1

Spring potential energy is proportional to the square of the distance the spring is stretched or compressed, expressed as 1/2kx², where k is the spring's force constant and x is the displacement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spring potential energy (PES) is proportional to the square of the distance the spring is stretched or compressed. This relationship arises from Hooke's law, which states that the force (F) needed to stretch or compress a spring by a distance (x) is F = kx, where k is the spring's force constant, and x is the displacement from its undeformed position. The total work done, and consequently, the potential energy stored in the spring when stretched or compressed can be calculated using the formula PEs = 1/2kx².