Learning objective
Explain why doubling extension more than doubles elastic potential energy.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
At a glance
5
Flashcards
7
Questions
Topic
Forces and elasticity
Subtopic
Elastic potential energy
Study support
Understand this objective
Short explanation
Doubling the extension of a spring results in more than double the elastic potential energy stored due to the quadratic relationship in the elastic potential energy equation, Ee = 0.5 x k x e². Here, 'k' is the spring constant and 'e' is the extension. When the extension is doubled, the new energy becomes Ee = 0.5 x k x (2e)² = 0.5 x k x 4e², which is four times the original energy. This demonstrates that energy stored in a spring increases with the square of the extension, highlighting the non-linear nature of elastic potential energy in elastic materials.
Key concepts
Why it matters
This objective helps connect Elastic potential energy to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Forces and elasticity.
Common mistakes
1 linked- Misunderstanding Elastic Potential Energy: Students should understand that elastic potential energy is proportional to the square of the extension, so doubling the extension actually increases the energy by a factor of four.
Revision tools
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Flashcards5 linked cards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Practice Questions7 linked questions
Question 1 of 7
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Revision notestopic notes
Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.
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