Spring Potential Energy Equation
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Spring Potential Energy Equation
, where x is signed deformation from the spring’s relaxed length.
1 joule = 1 N·m = 1 kg·m²/s². Also, 1 newton = 1 kg·m/s².
- Related Glossary Terms
Displacementⓘ, Energy, Potential Energy↗, Spring Potential Energy
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (2)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- A joule is N·m; N·s is momentum or impulse. — Reference 1
- Potential energy is scalar; square spring deformation, not an unspecified vector. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 3 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Spring potential energy
Spring potential energy is energy stored in an ideal spring’s deformation from its relaxed length. It is proportional to the square of deformation, so equal extension and compression magnitudes store equal energy. For example, compressing a spring before releasing a toy transfers energy that can later become kinetic energy.
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Displacement
Displacement is the vector change in position from the start of an interval to its end. It depends on those endpoints rather than the length or shape of the path traveled. For example, walking around a closed track and returning to the start gives zero displacement but a nonzero distance traveled.
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Potential energy
Potential energy describes energy associated with the configuration of interacting parts of a system. Its numerical zero is a chosen reference, while differences in potential energy determine physical energy changes. For example, separating Earth and a ball changes their gravitational potential energy even though the energy belongs to their interaction.