Question 1: Define elastic potential energy in your own words.

Answer: Elastic potential energy is the stored energy stored in an elastic object when it is stretched or compressed.

Question 2: Explain how elastic materials store and release energy during deformation.

Answer: Elastic materials store energy by deforming when stretched or compressed, and release it when they return to their original shape, due to the elastic restoring force.

Question 3: What is the typical unit of measurement for elastic potential energy?

Answer: Joules (J)

Question 1: A spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m is stretched by 0.05 meters. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring.

Answer: E = 0.5 * 200 * (0.05)^2 = 0.5 * 200 * 0.0025 = 0.25 joules

Question 2: A metal wire acts like a spring with a spring constant of 150 N/m. If it is compressed by 0.02 meters, what is the elastic potential energy stored in it?

Answer: E = 0.5 * 150 * (0.02)^2 = 0.5 * 150 * 0.0004 = 0.03 joules

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to measure the elastic constant (spring constant) of a spring.

Answer: To measure the spring constant, hang different known weights from the spring, record the extension each weight causes, and plot a graph of force versus extension. The slope of the line gives the spring constant, k.

Question 2: Identify two safety precautions to take when working with elastic materials in experiments.

Answer: Ensure the elastic material is securely anchored to prevent sudden release, and avoid overstretching or compressing to prevent snapping or material failure.

Question 1: A bungee cord stretches by 3 meters when a person jumps. If the bungee cord has a spring constant of 400 N/m, estimate the elastic potential energy stored just before the person starts to bounce back.

Answer: E = 0.5 * 400 * (3)^2 = 0.5 * 400 * 9 = 1800 joules

Question 2: Explain how understanding elastic potential energy is important in designing safety features like shock absorbers in vehicles.

Answer: Shock absorbers use elastic materials like springs to absorb energy from bumps and impacts. By understanding elastic potential energy, engineers can select appropriate materials and spring constants to ensure that energy is safely absorbed and released, providing a smoother ride and reducing impact forces on passengers.

Question 3: In everyday life, give an example where elastic potential energy is utilized and describe the process briefly.

Answer: A stretched rubber band stores elastic potential energy, which is released when it snaps back to its original shape, causing it to propel objects or create sound.