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Energy Transfer

Elastic Potential Energy.

Elastic Potential Energy called "EPE"
is a measure of the restoring force when an object changes its shape.

EPE is similar to GPE except that the restoring force
depends on the substance of the material and not gravity.

For example, if we stretch a spring and then let go,
it will return to its original shape
(provided it has not been stretched beyond its elastic limit).
The force which returns the spring to its original shape
is called the restoring force.
The size of the restoring force depends on the stiffness of the spring
and the amount it has been stretched.
The more stiff the spring and the further it has been stretched,
the more EPE it has gained.

Anything elastic will gain EPE when its shape is forced to change.
Other examples are
1. A ball when it bounces on the ground.
2. A catapult pulled back to launch a stone.
3. A crossbow primed to fire an arrow.

When the shape is restored,
EPE is transferred to Kinetic Energy (+ heat).

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Copyright © 2008 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.