What is the potential energy stored in a spring with a spring constant of $100N/m$ when it is compressed by $0.1m$?

• A. $0.05J$
• B. $0.5J$
• C. $5J$
• D. $0.005J$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given quantities: the spring constant \(k = 100\ \text{N/m}\) and the compression distance \(x = 0.1\ \text{m}\).
2. Recall the formula for the potential energy stored in a compressed or stretched spring: \(U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2\).
3. Substitute the given values into the formula: \(U = \frac{1}{2} \times 100 \times (0.1)^2\).
4. Calculate the square of the compression distance: \((0.1)^2 = 0.01\).
5. Multiply the values step-by-step to find the potential energy stored in the spring.