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Elastic Potential Energy

An object which can distort and return to its original shape, following Hooke's Law is known a spring - a common example being a coil spring.

When a string is stretched or compressed, it has elastic potential energy.

Equation

This equation will be on the Physics equation sheet!

E_e = \frac{ke^2}{2}

Where:

  • E_e is the energy, in Joules (J)
  • k is the spring constant, in newtons per metre (N/m)
  • e is the extension, in metres (m)

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