Question detail
How does the elastic potential energy stored in a spring change when the extension is doubled?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Forces and elasticity
Question
How does the elastic potential energy stored in a spring change when the extension is doubled?
Answer
When the extension of a spring is doubled, the elastic potential energy stored increases by a factor of four, because elastic potential energy is proportional to the square of the extension.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's ability to apply the concept of elastic potential energy and understand the mathematical relationship between extension and energy. It emphasizes the non-linear nature of energy storage in elastic materials.
Common mistake
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.
Explain 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.
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