Force

1
Area= Fx
2

Distance

The area under the curve represents the work done. This work done is also the equation relating
the elastic energy to the applied force F and change in length of spring x. We get the following
integral to get the area under the curve:

1
W = Fx
2

where
W is the work done or the elastic potential energy in joules
F is the applied force
x is the change in spring length

From Hooke's Law:

F=kx

Substituting this to the equation for work, we get the general equation for elastic potential of a spring:

1
W = (kx ) x
2

1
W = k x2
2

The elastic potential of a spring (PE )is equal to the work done, so:

W =PE

1 2
PE= k x
2