Answer:
a) When its length is 23 cm, the elastic potential energy of the spring is
0.18 J
b) When the stretched length doubles, the potential energy increases by a factor of four to 0.72 J
Explanation:
Hi there!
a) The elastic potential energy (EPE) is calculated using the following equation:
EPE = 1/2 · k · x²
Where:
k = spring constant.
x = stretched lenght.
Let´s calculate the elastic potential energy of the spring when it is stretched 3 cm (0.03 m).
First, let´s convert the spring constant units into N/m:
4 N/cm · 100 cm/m = 400 N/m
EPE = 1/2 · 400 N/m · (0.03 m)²
EPE = 0.18 J
When its length is 23 cm, the elastic potential energy of the spring is 0.18 J
b) Now let´s calculate the elastic potential energy when the spring is stretched 0.06 m:
EPE = 1/2 · 400 N/m · (0.06 m)²
EPE = 0.72 J
When the stretched length doubles, the potential energy increases by a factor of four to 0.72 J
