If you increase the displacement of a spring from an equilibrium position by 2 times, how will its elastic potential energy change?
A)It will increase by 2 times.
B)It will decrease by 2 times.
C)It will increase by 4 times.
D)It will decrease by 4 times.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elastic potential energy stored in a spring is given by the formula $E_p = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$, where $k$ is the spring constant and $x$ is the displacement from the equilibrium position. If the displacement is doubled, the energy will increase by $2^2 = 4$ times, according to the square of the displacement increase.

If You Increase the Displacement of a Spring from an Equilibrium