Question

If a spring stores 5 J of energy when it's compressed by .5 m, what is the spring constant of the spring?

Answer 1

EPE= 0.5 * spring constant * (extension)^2

Spring constant=EPE/0.5*extension^2

5J/0.5*0.5^2

=40N/m

Answer 2

Energy stored in a spring = (1/2) (spring constant) (stretch)²

 5 Joules = (1/2) (spring constant) (0.5 m)²

10 Joules = (spring constant) (0.25 m²)

Spring constant = 10 joules / 0.25 m²

Spring constant = 40 Newton/meter