Elastic energy is the potential energy stored in an elastic material when it is deformed under stress. This energy is stored in the material’s ability to return to its original shape after the stress is removed.
For instance, When you stretch a rubber band, it stores elastic energy. For instance, when you release one end of the stretched rubber band, it snaps back to its original shape, releasing the stored elastic energy.
The unit of elastic energy is the joule (J).
The potential energy (U) stored in an elastic material is related to the force (F) applied and the displacement (x) by the formula:
U=0.5.k.x2
( k is the material’s stiffness and x is displacement)
| Example | Elastic Material | Stored Energy (Joules) |
|---|---|---|
| Stretching a rubber band | Rubber | Varies with stretch |
| Compressing a spring | Metal spring | Varies with compression |
| Bouncing on a trampoline | Trampoline fabric | Varies with bounce height |
| Releasing a bowstring | Bowstring | Depends on bow tension |
| Jumping on a pogo stick | Pogo stick | Varies with jump height |
| Squeezing a stress ball | Stress ball material | Varies with squeeze force |
| Opening and closing a mousetrap | Mousetrap spring | Varies with trap tension |
| Twisting a hair tie | Elastic hair tie | Varies with twist |
| Stretching a slingshot | Slingshot band | Varies with stretch |
| Pressing the keys on a piano | Piano key mechanism | Varies with key press |
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