Question detail
Which equation correctly represents elastic potential energy?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Forces and elasticity
Question
- A. E = 0.5 x k x e^2
- B. E = k x e
- C. E = m x g x h
- D. E = F x d
Answer
E = 0.5 x k x e^2
Explanation
The correct equation for elastic potential energy is E = 0.5 x spring constant x extension squared, which quantifies the energy stored in a spring.
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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