What is elastic potential energy?

What is elastic potential energy?

• A. Energy stored when an object is in motion
• B. Energy stored when an object is compressed or stretched
• C. Energy transferred from one object to another
• D. Energy associated with the gravitational force

Answer: (B)

Elastic potential energy refers specifically to the energy that is stored in an object when it is either compressed or stretched. This type of energy is most commonly associated with materials that can deform elastically, meaning they can return to their original shape after the deforming force is removed. Examples include springs, rubber bands, and other materials that exhibit elastic behavior. When an elastic object is compressed, work is done on it, and this work is stored as potential energy. Similarly, when the object is stretched, energy is also stored. The amount of elastic potential energy stored is dependent on the extent of the deformation and the material properties of the object. Understanding this concept is essential in mechanics as it helps explain how forces and energy interact when objects undergo deformation.

Elastic potential energy refers specifically to the energy that is stored in an object when it is either compressed or stretched. This type of energy is most commonly associated with materials that can deform elastically, meaning they can return to their original shape after the deforming force is removed. Examples include springs, rubber bands, and other materials that exhibit elastic behavior.

When an elastic object is compressed, work is done on it, and this work is stored as potential energy. Similarly, when the object is stretched, energy is also stored. The amount of elastic potential energy stored is dependent on the extent of the deformation and the material properties of the object.

Understanding this concept is essential in mechanics as it helps explain how forces and energy interact when objects undergo deformation.