Question

A stretched spring possesses ………… energy
(A) Kinetic
(B) Elastic potential
(C) Electric
(D) Magnetic

Answer 1

We know that, when a spring is stretched, it gets deformed. Therefore, the energy stored in the spring must be such that it can store the energy that is caused due to deformation. When a spring is stretched, it elongates, this work is done to stretch a spring.

Complete Step-By-Step Solution:
We know, when a spring is stretched, its length increases. When the spring is released, it gets back to its original shape and size.
We know that this property of an object to get back to its original shape after the external force applied is removed is known as elasticity.
Now, since a deformation has occurred when we stretched the spring, some amount of work must be done. This work is stored in the form of energy.
We know that the energy stored due to deformation of the elastic body is in the form of potential energy and since in this case, energy is stored as there occurs due to a change in the length of the spring it is known as elastic potential energy.
The energy is stored as long as the applied force continues to exist.

Thus, we can write that a stretched spring possesses elastic potential energy, hence option (B) is correct.

Note:
From Hooke’s law of elasticity, we know that the force due to a spring is proportional to the length of its elongation. The constant of proportionality is known as spring constant. We know that spring forces are conservative forces and thus must have a stored potential energy. This stored energy is termed as elastic potential energy.