Forces and elasticity common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing Elastic Potential Energy with Work Done

  Students often confuse the calculation of elastic potential energy with the work done on the spring, leading to incorrect answers.

  Fix itRemember that elastic potential energy is specifically calculated using the formula Ee = 0.5 x k x e^2, where Ee is the elastic potential energy, k is the spring constant, and e is the extension. Ensure you are using the correct formula for each context.

• Misinterpreting the slope as energy

  Students often think the slope of a force‑extension graph directly gives the elastic potential energy stored, rather than the spring constant.

  Fix itExplain that the slope is the spring constant (k) and that elastic potential energy is calculated using 0.5 k e², where e is the extension in metres.