Definition

1. Noun:
   • Energy stored in an object due to its deformation: "Elastic potential energy" is the potential energy stored when an object is stretched, compressed, bent, or otherwise deformed from its original shape. This energy is stored in the object's material due to its elasticity and is available to be converted into kinetic energy when the object returns to its original shape.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The elastic potential energy stored in the drawn bowstring is what propels the arrow forward.
  • When you compress a spring, you do work on it, which is stored as elastic potential energy.

Advanced Usage

• "Elastic potential energy" in physics formulas: Often calculated using the formula (1/2)kx², where 'k' is the spring constant (a measure of stiffness) and 'x' is the displacement from the equilibrium position.
  • The elastic potential energy of the spring is 0.5 * 200 N/m * (0.1 m)² = 1 Joule.

Variants and Related Words

• Potential Energy (n): The stored energy of an object due to its position, state, or configuration. Elastic potential energy is a specific type of potential energy.
  • Gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy are two common forms.
• Spring Constant (n): A constant, denoted as 'k', that measures the stiffness of a spring. It is a key variable in calculating elastic potential energy.
  • A higher spring constant means a stiffer spring and more energy stored for the same displacement.

Synonyms

• Strain Energy (n): A term often used in engineering and physics that is synonymous with elastic potential energy, referring to the energy stored within a material when it is deformed elastically.

Related Phrases

• "To store elastic potential energy": The action of deforming an object so that it gains this form of energy.
  • Stretching a rubber band stores elastic potential energy in it.
• "To release elastic potential energy": The process where the stored energy is converted, typically into motion or other forms of energy.
  • When released, the mousetrap's spring converts its elastic potential energy into kinetic energy.

Related Concepts

• Hooke's Law: The principle stating that the force needed to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance (F = -kx). This law is fundamental to understanding and calculating elastic potential energy.
  • Hooke's Law describes the linear relationship that allows us to calculate elastic potential energy.

Noun

1. potential energy that is stored when a body is deformed (as in a coiled spring)