Question

A spring is compressed. Does the potential energy of the compressed spring increase or decrease?

Answer 1

Definition of elastic potential energy

The potential energy stored in an elastic body, for example, spring as a result of its deformation is termed elastic potential energy.

Explaining if the potential energy of a compressed spring increases or decreases

1. When a spring is compressed, work is done on it.
2. This work done is equal to the elastic potential energy which gets stored in the spring.
3. It is given as, $W=PE=\frac{1}{2}k{x}^2$, where, $W$ is work done, $PE$ is potential energy, $k$ is spring constant and $x$ is the distance through which the spring is stretched or compressed.

Hence, the potential energy of a compressed spring increases.