What is elastic potential energy?

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored from an elastic object being stretched or compressed. It equals the amount of work that was done to stretch the object. The equation for elastic potential energy is PE=1/2kx², where "PE" is the potential energy, "k" is a spring constant and "x" is the displacement.

The force required is directly proportional to the amount of stretch in the object, according to Hooke's Law. To stretch or compress an elastic object, work must be exerted on it in an amount that is equal to the amount of force the object is exerting. These forces move in opposite directions; the force exerted on the object to change it is known as "displacement."