1. What is Spring Potential Energy?

Spring potential energy is the energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing. It's also called elastic potential energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the spring potential energy equation:

Where:

• \( PE \) — Potential energy (Joules)
• \( k \) — Spring constant (N/m)
• \( \Delta x \) — Displacement from equilibrium position (m)

Explanation: The potential energy stored in a spring is proportional to the square of the displacement and the spring constant.

3. Importance of Spring Potential Energy

Details: Understanding spring potential energy is crucial in physics and engineering applications like shock absorbers, mechanical clocks, and various spring-based mechanisms.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter spring constant in N/m and displacement in meters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Hooke's Law?
A: Hooke's Law states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring is proportional to the distance (F = -kΔx).

Q2: What are typical spring constant values?
A: Spring constants vary widely from very soft springs (1 N/m) to very stiff springs (100,000 N/m or more).

Q3: Does this equation work for all springs?
A: It works for ideal springs that obey Hooke's Law. Real springs may deviate at extreme displacements.

Q4: What happens if the spring is compressed instead of stretched?
A: The equation works the same way - Δx is the displacement from equilibrium regardless of direction.

Q5: How does potential energy convert to kinetic energy?
A: When released, the stored potential energy converts to kinetic energy as the spring returns to equilibrium.