When the compression of a spring is doubled, the potential energy stored in the spring is
A) the same as before.
B) doubled.
C) tripled.
D) increased by a factor of 8.
E) quadrupled.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy stored in a spring is given by the formula $ PE = \frac{1}{2} k x^2 $, where $ k $ is the spring constant and $ x $ is the compression. If the compression is doubled, the potential energy becomes $ \frac{1}{2} k (2x)^2 = 4 \times \frac{1}{2} k x^2 $, which is four times the original energy.

When the Compression of a Spring Is Doubled, the Potential