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\r\n Potential Energy \r\n
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\n Potential Energy of a body that is under the influence of a force is always stated with respect\r\n to some reference point. At the reference point, the potential energy is considered to be zero.\r\n The potential energy change on moving from \\(x=x_A\\) to \\(x=x_B\\) under the influence of a force \\(F\\)\r\n is given by:\r\n $$U_B-U_A=-\\int_{x_A}^{x_B} \\textbf{F}\\cdot d\\textbf{x}$$\r\n If we take \\(x=x_A\\) as the reference point, and measure the value of potential energy
with respect to A,\r\n the potential energy at A can be taken as 0.\n
\r\n Elastic Energy stored in a spring \r\n
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\n Potential energy may be present in many forms. In case of a spring, when we stretch it, the spring has some\r\n \"potential\" to move/do work. Therefore, it possesses some potential energy. If we choose the natural length(zero extension/compression)\r\n of the spring as the reference point and define our origin there, we can calculate the potential energy due a displacement \\(\\textbf{x}\\)\r\n as:\r\n $$U=-\\int_{0}^x (-k)\\textbf{x}\\cdot d\\textbf{x}=\\frac{1}{2}kx^2$$\n
\r\n Learn Interactively | Force and Energy in a Spring \r\n
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\r\n Shown in the MagicGraph is a spring that is connected to a block on one end and tied to a rigid wall\r\n on the another end. The block can be dragged on the floor without any friction.\r\n
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Session Objectives
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\r\n In this visually interactive module, you will learn about the restoring force and elastic energy stored in a spring.\r\n
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Getting Started
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\r\n Start by pulling or pushing the block on frictionless floor. As you pull or push the block, the spring stretches or compresses. Observe how the restoring force and stored energy change with the amount of extenstion or compression.\r\n