Expression of Potential Energy stored in a Spring

 Statement: Derive the expression of Potential Energy stored in a spring, `U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2`

Solution:

Elastic potential energy (U) is potential energy stored as a result of deformation of an elastic object, such as the stretching of a spring. It is equal to the work done (W) to stretch the spring, which depends upon the spring constant k as well as the distance stretched i.e. U = W

Fig - 1: A spring system

Let the spring be stretched trough a small distance `dx`. 
Then work done in stretching the spring through a distance `dx` is, 

`dW = F dx` ...................................... (1) 

Where, F is the force applied to the stretch the spring.

Total work done in stretching the spring from the interval `x = 0` to `x = x` is obtained by integrating the expression:

`\int dW=\int_{0}^{x}Fdx`..............................(2)

Hooke’s Law states that, the elongation produced in an ideal spring is directly proportional to the spring force. That is,

`F = - kx` ......................................(3) 

 Here, k is called the spring constant.

Substituting equation (iii) in (ii) we get,

Work done by spring force, 

`W=\int_{0}^{x} -kxdx=-k\int_{0}^{x}xdx=-k [\frac{x^2}{2}]_0^x=-\frac{1}{2}kx^2` ............................ (4) 

And the work done by external force = `\frac{1}{2} kx^2`

This work done to deform the spring is nothing but the elastic potential energy of the spring.

Hence, `U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2`

[Derived/Proved]

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