Question detail
What happens to the elastic potential energy when a spring is compressed?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes
Question
- A. It decreases
- B. It increases
- C. It remains the same
- D. It is converted to kinetic energy
Answer
It increases
Explanation
The correct option is "It increases". It increases is right because it directly matches Changes in energy: Identify elastic potential energy in joules, spring constant in newtons per metre and extension in metres.. The other options are less suitable because they change the required Physics relationship, confuse the relevant energy store or use a distractor that does not answer the question.
Common mistake
Confusing Units of Measurement
Students often confuse elastic potential energy measured in joules with spring constant measured in newtons per metre.
Remember that elastic potential energy is always expressed in joules, while the spring constant is expressed in newtons per metre. Keep the units distinct when solving problems.
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