key term - Elastic Potential Energy

Definition

Elastic potential energy refers to the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. It is a form of potential energy that can be released and converted into other forms of energy.

Related terms

Hooke's Law:

Hooke's Law states that the force needed to stretch or compress an elastic object is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position.

Spring Constant:

The spring constant (k) represents how stiff or soft a spring is. It determines how much force is required to stretch or compress the spring by a certain amount.

Conservation of Mechanical Energy: This principle states that in an isolated system where only conservative forces are acting, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant.