How to find the potential energy of a spring if the force and change in length are known.

How to find the potential energy of a spring if the force and change in length are known. Example: Change 5cm and force 30 kN

Given:

F = 30 kN = 30,000 Newton – force acting on the spring;

dx = 5 centimeters = 0.05 meters – the amount of compression of the spring under the force of F.

It is required to determine the potential energy of the compressed spring W (Joule).

Find the coefficient of spring stiffness:

k = F / dx = 30,000 / 0.05 = 600,000 Newtons / meter.

Then the potential energy of the compressed spring will be equal to:

W = k * dx2 / 2 = 600000 * 0.052 / 2 = 600000 * 0.0025 / 2 = 1500/2 =

= 750 Joules.

Answer: The potential energy of the spring is 750 Joules.