Elastic potential energy
What Elastic potential energy means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Elastic potential energy
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Reference: OCR
The energy associated with a stretched spring, given by E_e = ½ × k × x², where k is the spring constant in N/m and x the extension in metres.
Energy transferred to a spring when it is stretched, equal to the work done in stretching it.
Energy stored when a spring is stretched, calculated as ½ × spring constant × (extension)².
The energy stored in a spring when a force stretches or compresses it.
Topics that use Elastic potential energy
- Forces and elasticity (AQA GCSE)
- Forces in action (OCR GCSE)
- Work done (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- spring constant
- elastic deformation
- Elastic limit
- extension
- Gravitational potential energy
- Area under a force–extension graph
- Clockwise and anticlockwise rotation
- Closed systems
Using Elastic potential energy in the exam
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