What it is: Energy stored in an object that has been stretched, compressed, bent, or twisted from its natural shape.
The physics behind it: When you stretch a spring, you're pulling atoms further apart than they want to be. The forces between atoms act like tiny springs themselves — they "want" to return to equilibrium. The work you do stretching is stored in these atomic bonds, ready to be released.
The elastic limit: This only works if you don't stretch too far! Beyond the "elastic limit", the material deforms permanently (plastic deformation) and the energy goes into breaking/rearranging bonds (thermal energy) rather than being stored.
Real-world examples:
- A stretched bow — archer pulls back, stores elastic PE; released as arrow's KE
- Compressed spring — car suspension, pogo stick, wind-up toys
- Stretched rubber band — elastic PE released to fire projectiles
- Trampoline surface — stores energy when you land, releases it to bounce you back
- A bent diving board — stores energy that propels the diver upward
This key facts covers ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY STORE — The Energy of Stretch/Squash within Energy Stores & Systems for GCSE Physics. Revise Energy Stores & Systems in Energy for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 20 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Energy Stores & Systems
Which energy store is associated with an object that is moving?
Explain what is meant by a 'closed system' in terms of energy.