Name

Date Pd
Energy Storage and Transfer Model Worksheet 2:
Hooke’s Law and Elastic Energy
Suppose one lab group found that F = 1000 N/m (∆x). Construct a graphical representation of
force vs. displacement. (Hint: make the maximum displacement 0.25 m. )

1. Graphically determine the amount of energy stored while

stretching the spring described above from x = 0 to x = 10. cm.
2 The area marked with a squiggle is equal to the energy stored.
0
0
1N 2. Graphically determine the amount of energy stored while
0 stretching the spring described above from x = 15 to x = 25
0N cm.
N The area marked with stars is equal to the energy stored
N
N

The graph below was made from data collected during an investigation of the relationship
between the amounts two different springs stretched when different forces were applied.
3. Determine the spring constant for each spring.
The spring constant is equal to the slope of the line.

4. For each spring, compare:

a. the amount of force required to stretch the spring 3.0 m.
By inspection:
F1= 24 N
F2= 15 N
b. the Eel stored in each spring when stretched 3.0m.

©Modeling Instruction - AMTA 2013 1 Energy ws 2 v3.1

5. Determine the amount that spring 2 needs to be stretched in order to store 24 joules of energy.

6. The spring below has a spring constant of 10. N/m. If the block is pulled 0.30 m horizontally to
the right, and held motionless, what force does the spring exert on the block? Sketch a force
diagram for the mass as you hold it still. (Assume a frictionless surface.)

FN

FT

©Modeling Instruction - AMTA 2013 2 Energy ws 2 v3.1

 7. The spring below has a spring constant of 20. N/m. The µ s between the box and the surface is
0.40. The line in the center of the box lines up at the 0 when the spring is not stretched or
compressed.

xmax
0

a. The box is pushed to the right, then released. Draw a force diagram for the box above when
the spring is stretched, yet the box is stationary F N

Fel Ffs

Fg

b. What is the maximum distance that the spring can be stretched from equilibrium before the
box begins to slide back? The maximum distance is reached when Ff = Fel.

c. Do pie chart analysis for this situation, when the spring is stretched beyond its maximum
(from part b above) so it slides back, and then the box oscillates back and forth until it comes to
a stop. Assume your system includes the spring, box, and table top.
A = position of max stretch… B = box passes through equilibrium position…C = box
compresses spring and stops…D = box returns to equilibrium position… E= box at interim
position… F = box has stopped

Eth Et Et
Eel Ek Ehe Ek Et Ek Et
h Eelh h
l

Due to static friction, the box would come

A B C D to rest with some Eel in the spring, but you
Emay choose to ignore
F this.

©Modeling Instruction - AMTA 2013 3 Energy ws 2 v3.1