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Another
example of a conservative force and its associated potential energy is shown
in the diagram. In an undeformed state, the linearly elastic spring may be
considered to be in a zero potential energy state. As the spring is deformed
in either tension of compression a force, F(x), is required to cause the equilibrium
deformation, x. For the spring shown, this force increases linearly
with x, and the work done in the displacement is given by the area under the
force/displacement graph. The potential energy change in deforming the spring
from x1 to x2 is just equal to the yellow shaded area.
The
elastic potential energy, Velastic = F(x).x = kx2/2, where
k is the "spring constant."
Suspension components of human
powered vehicles exploit this property of springs. |
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