Question Detail
Question
What is the expression for the elastic potential energy stored in a spring that is compressed or stretched a distance x from its equilibrium position, with spring constant k?
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The elastic potential energy stored in an ideal spring is given by PE_s = ½ k x². This represents the work done to compress or stretch the spring from its equilibrium position to a displacement x, assuming the spring is ideal and obeys Hooke's law.
Hint
This formula is analogous to kinetic energy but with position and spring constant instead of velocity and mass.