Question detail
If a spring has a spring constant of 200 N/m and is extended by 0.5 m, what is the elastic potential energy stored in the spring?
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. 25 J
- B. 50 J
- C. 100 J
- D. 200 J
Answer
50 J
Explanation
The correct option is "50 J". 50 J is right because it answers the Changes in energy objective: Recall and apply the equation Ee = 0.5 x k x e^2.. The distractors are incorrect because they either use the wrong Physics quantity, confuse an energy store with a transfer, or ignore the wording of this question.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Elastic Potential Energy
Students often confuse the variables in the equation Ee = 0.5 x k x e^2, particularly mixing up the spring constant (k) and the extension (e).
To fix this, students should carefully identify each variable: k is the spring constant measured in N/m, and e is the extension in meters. Practicing with examples can help reinforce the correct application of the equation.
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