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School-college Physics Notes: Forces Section 4.2 Elasticity and work done

GCSE level physics exam revision notes on Forces 4: 4.2

Work done in stretching or compressing a material and elastic potential energy may stored or absorbed, shock absorbers

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[KEY POINTS and learning objectives for this page, after initial notes]

Index of physics notes on FORCES section 4 Elastic potential energy

4.2 Work is done in stretching or compressing a material

   Why does stretching or compressing a spring involve doing work?

In the process of bending, stretching or compressing, energy is transferred in the process, so work is done.

You are having to do work against an opposing force e.g. a stretched spring or rubber band, a squeezed rubber ball want to return to their original shape

 In order to deform a material to be bent, stretched or compressed two forces must be operating, often in opposite directions.

forces acting on an elastic material bending stretching compressiing compression tension forces

If only one force was involved the material would stay the same shape and just change position.

Bending occurs when you wind up a mechanical clock. Strictly speaking on the 'outer' surface to the right the force is one of tension (stretching) and the 'inner' surface to the left, experiences compression (think of bending quite a thick plate, ok?).

Stretching happens when you use a spring balance to weigh something or put a rubber band round an object.

Older (still do?) forms of car suspension use steel springs which compress on meeting a bump in the road to absorb the energy of the impact.

Rubber shock absorbers in the under carriage of a car have the same effect.

The large sturdy spring S of the wheel suspension of a Land Rover, which is expected to absorb the impact energy of some pretty hefty bumps! On compression, the stiff spring will store a great deal of elastic energy, if only for a brief moment in time!

Key for the 5 photographic diagrams: S = suspension spring;  H = the pipe conveying the hydraulic brake fluid (see hydraulics)

D = the brake drum and disc on which the brake pads in casing P are forced into contact with the smooth disc by hydraulic pressure when you press the brake pedal.

 

A double spring suspension on a red van, conveniently jacked up!

'Spring' photographs by courtesy of Mark Raw of M T R Autotech Ltd garage, Castleton, North Yorkshire, England

Sub-index of physics notes: FORCES 4. Elastic potential energy

Key points on elastic potential energy - elasticity and examples of work done in stretching and compressing material (conceptual examples, no calculations)

Information sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA and CIE GCSE physics 9-1 level science examinations

Elastic potential energy pops up in more places than you might expect! It’s all about storing energy in objects that can stretch or compress and then release it. Here are some real-world applications that show how this concept powers everyday life and advanced technology:

Transportation and Engineering

  • Car Suspension Systems: Springs and shock absorbers store elastic potential energy to smooth out bumps and improve ride comfort.
  • Railway Buffers: Compressible pads absorb impact between train cars using elastic energy.
  • Bridge Design: Expansion joints and flexible materials store and release elastic energy to accommodate temperature changes and vibrations.

Sports and Recreation

  • Archery: Drawing a bow stores elastic potential energy in the limbs, which is released to launch the arrow => kinetic energy.
  • Trampolines: The stretched fabric and springs store energy when you land and release it to bounce you back up.
  • Pole Vaulting: The pole bends and stores elastic energy, which helps propel the athlete over the bar.

Medical and Biomechanics

  • Stents and Catheters: Elastic materials expand and contract to fit within blood vessels or body cavities.
  • Prosthetics: Artificial limbs often use elastic components to mimic natural movement and store energy during walking.
  • Tendons and Muscles: In biomechanics, tendons store elastic energy during movement, improving efficiency in running and jumping.

Household and Everyday Items

  • Mattresses and Cushions: Springs compress and store energy, then release it to support weight.
  • Wind-Up Toys and Clocks: Coiled springs store elastic energy that drives movement.
  • Rubber Bands: Stretching stores energy that can be used to launch objects or hold items together.

Industrial and Technological Uses

  • Shock Absorbers in Machinery: Protect sensitive equipment from vibrations and impacts.
  • Energy Harvesting Devices: Some systems use elastic deformation to capture and convert mechanical energy into electricity.
  • Aerospace Components: Elastic materials help absorb forces during launch and landing.

Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for elastic potential energy

Be able to explain why work is done in stretching or compressing a material and elastic potential energy may stored or absorbed e.g. in car suspension springs or shock absorbers.

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Sub-index of physics notes: FORCES 4. Elastic potential energy

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