2.7 Elastic potential energy

• Science
• WO
• Studiejaar 1

Objectives

1. What is Elastic potential energy?

2. Explain how the store of elastic potential energy can change?

3. Explain the situations where the store of elastic potential energy increases or decreases.

What is elastic potential energy (EPE)?

Elastic potential energy is energy stored as a result of applying a force to deform an elastic object. The deformation could involve compressing, stretching or twisting the object. Many objects are designed specifically to store elastic potential energy, 

Elastic vs plastic deformation

Elastic deformation: Change of shape (deformation) is temporary.

Plastic deformation: Change of shape is permanent.