Elastic potential energy of a spring
Work and energy · Physics
Simple pendulum
Interactive 3DRelease the bob and watch true small-angle SHM. The period depends only on the string length.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
m
0.3m2m
°
5°45°
Study notes
Example: A spring has a spring constant k = 200 N/m. It is compressed by 0.10 m from its natural length. Find the elastic potential energy stored. Step 1: Write the formula for elastic potential energy: U = ½ k x². Step 2: Plug in the values: k = 200 N/m, x = 0.10 m. Step 3: Calculate x²: (0.10)² = 0.01 m². Step 4: Multiply k by x²: 200 × 0.01 = 2. Step 5: Multiply by ½: ½ × 2 = 1. Answer: The spring stores 1 joule of elastic potential energy.