Elastic Potential Energy Calculation with Spring Compression

What is the formula to calculate the elastic potential energy of a block-spring system?

The elastic potential energy of a block-spring system can be calculated using the formula U = 0.5 * k * x², where U is the elastic potential energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the spring compression distance.

How can we determine the elastic potential energy of the system given specific values?

We can determine the elastic potential energy by substituting the given values of the block mass, spring constant, and spring compression distance into the formula U = 0.5 * k * x².

Calculation of Elastic Potential Energy

The elastic potential energy of the block-spring system, given a block mass of 2.40 kg, spring constant of 805 N/m, and spring compression of 0.0550 m, is calculated as 1.21 Joules using the formula U = 0.5 * k * x².

To calculate the elastic potential energy of a block-spring system, we need to consider the basic formula: U = 0.5 * k * x². In this case, we are given the values for the block mass, spring constant, and spring compression distance. By substituting these values into the formula, we can determine that the elastic potential energy of the system is 1.21 Joules.

The process of determining elastic potential energy involves understanding the relationship between the spring constant, compression distance, and the amount of energy stored in the system. In this scenario, the block of mass 2.40 kg is pushed against the spring with a constant of 805 N/m, resulting in a compression of 0.0550 m.

By applying the formula U = 0.5 * 805 N/m * (0.0550 m)², we find that the elastic potential energy stored in the block-spring system is 1.21 Joules. This energy represents the ability of the spring to do work and return to its original position after the block is released.