Potential Energy of a Spring

The Potential Energy of a Spring calculator compute the potential energy based on the the spring constant and the change in spring length.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (k) Spring Constant
• (x) Spring Displacement

Potential Energy of Spring (U): The energy returned in Joules.  However, this can be converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The formula for the Potential Energy (`U`) of a spring is:

`U = 1/2* k * x^2`

where:

• U = Potential Energy of Spring (compressed or elongated)
• k = the spring constant characterizing the springs elasticity.  The spring constant is input here as units of newtons per meter (`N/m`).
• x = the change in the spring's length

References

• Young, H. D., Freedman, R. A., & A Lewis Ford. (2014). University physics. Pearson (Chapter 7.2)