A spring is compressed by 0.2 m and has a spring constant of 500 N/m. What is th
Practice Questions
Q1
A spring is compressed by 0.2 m and has a spring constant of 500 N/m. What is the potential energy stored in the spring? (2023)
10 J
5 J
20 J
2 J
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A spring is compressed by 0.2 m and has a spring constant of 500 N/m. What is the potential energy stored in the spring? (2023)
Step 1: Identify the formula for potential energy stored in a spring, which is PE = 1/2 kx^2.
Step 2: Identify the values needed for the formula: the spring constant (k) is 500 N/m and the compression distance (x) is 0.2 m.
Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula: PE = 1/2 * 500 N/m * (0.2 m)^2.
Step 4: Calculate (0.2 m)^2, which equals 0.04 m^2.
Step 5: Multiply 500 N/m by 0.04 m^2, which equals 20 N*m.
Step 6: Divide 20 N*m by 2, which equals 10 J.
Step 7: Conclude that the potential energy stored in the spring is 10 Joules.
Potential Energy in Springs – The potential energy stored in a compressed or stretched spring is calculated using the formula PE = 1/2 kx^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
