Spring Potential Energy
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Spring Potential Energy
The energy stored in a spring when it gets displaced from its resting position. The same amount of energy is stored from a compression or stretching of the same amount.
- Related Glossary Terms
Energy, Relaxed State, Spring Force, Spring Potential Energy Equation
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 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.