The energy stored in a spring when it is stretched or compressed is known as what?

The energy stored in a spring when it is stretched or compressed is known as what?

• A. Kinetic energy
• B. Thermal energy
• C. Potential energy
• D. Chemical energy

Answer: (C)

When a spring is stretched or compressed, energy is stored in the spring as potential energy, specifically elastic potential energy, because the energy is held in the deformation of the spring rather than in motion or heat. In an ideal spring, the stored energy depends on how far you displace it from its equilibrium length: E = 1/2 k x^2, with k being the spring constant and x the displacement. As the spring releases, that energy can convert into kinetic energy of the attached mass, then back into potential energy as the motion continues, creating the characteristic oscillations. This form of energy is distinct from kinetic energy (energy of motion), thermal energy (related to temperature and microscopic motion), and chemical energy (stored in chemical bonds). Elastic potential energy is the appropriate description for energy stored due to the spring’s deformation.

When a spring is stretched or compressed, energy is stored in the spring as potential energy, specifically elastic potential energy, because the energy is held in the deformation of the spring rather than in motion or heat. In an ideal spring, the stored energy depends on how far you displace it from its equilibrium length: E = 1/2 k x^2, with k being the spring constant and x the displacement. As the spring releases, that energy can convert into kinetic energy of the attached mass, then back into potential energy as the motion continues, creating the characteristic oscillations.

This form of energy is distinct from kinetic energy (energy of motion), thermal energy (related to temperature and microscopic motion), and chemical energy (stored in chemical bonds). Elastic potential energy is the appropriate description for energy stored due to the spring’s deformation.