How is elastic potential energy stored in a deformed spring?

Elastic potential energy is stored in a deformed spring through the stretching or compression of its coils.

When a force is applied to a spring, it deforms and its coils either stretch or compress. This deformation causes the spring to store potential energy, known as elastic potential energy. The amount of energy stored in the spring depends on the amount of deformation and the spring constant, which is a measure of the spring's stiffness.

The formula for calculating the elastic potential energy stored in a spring is E = 1/2 kx^2, where E is the energy, k is the spring constant, and x is the amount of deformation. This formula shows that the energy stored in the spring is directly proportional to the amount of deformation and the spring constant.

When the force is removed from the spring, it returns to its original shape and releases the stored energy as kinetic energy. This is why springs are used in many devices, such as shock absorbers and toys, to provide a source of energy for movement.

In conclusion, elastic potential energy is stored in a deformed spring through the stretching or compression of its coils. The amount of energy stored depends on the amount of deformation and the spring constant, and is released as kinetic energy when the force is removed.