Question

What is the increase in potential energy storage when the compression distance is doubled in a spring obeying Hooke’s law?

(a) No increase

(b) 100% increase

(c) Cannot be determined

(d) 4 times

I have been asked this question during an online exam.

This key question is from The Potential Energy of a Spring topic in section Work, Energy and Power of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) 4 times

To explain: PE = 1/2 x k x d^2

The elastic potential energy stored is directly proportional to the square of the compression. Hence, a two-fold increase in compression will result in potential energy storage to increase by four times.