Calculating the energy of a spring (E = 1/2 kx²)
I can calculate the energy a spring has because it is stretched.
Calculating the energy of a spring (E = 1/2 kx²)
I can calculate the energy a spring has because it is stretched.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Doubling the stiffness of a spring doubles the energy it has because it is stretched.
- The spring constant is measured in newtons per metre (N/m).
- Doubling the extension of a spring increases the energy it has because, it is stretched, by four times.
- The energy a spring has because it is stretched equals 1/2 × spring constant × (extension)².
Keywords
Elastic store - If an elastic object is stretched, compressed or bent out of shape, there is energy in the elastic store.
Compress - To make something smaller using forces, e.g. a spring gets shorter when it is compressed.
Extension - The increase in length from the original length of a spring when it is stretched.
Spring constant - A measure of how stiff a spring is and how hard it is to stretch or compress.
Common misconception
When calculating energy in the elastic store, pupils often work out (½ times spring constant tmes extension) and then square everything, rather than just the extension.
Scaffold calculations to show how elastic energy is calculated, taking pupils through how to do this on their calculators without making a mistake.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Calculating the energy of a spring (E = 1/2 kx²), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Calculating the energy of a spring (E = 1/2 kx²), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Energy of moving objects unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Mini–whiteboards.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions