⚡ SPRINGS & ELASTIC
PAGE 1 OF 5 — STORED SNAP
ELASTIC ENERGY
WHEN THINGS WANT TO SNAP BACK
Some materials can stretch or squash and then return toward their old shape. While they are deformed, they store elastic potential energy. A coiled spring, a rubber band, and a bowstring all hold energy when you pull them. When you let go, that stored energy can turn into kinetic energy, the energy of motion.
⚡ STORE
Elastic potential energy is energy stored because an object is stretched or compressed.
SNAP!
PULL
🖐️ Stretch stores energy
🌀 Coils and bands both work
🌀 Coils and bands both work
GO
🚀 Release turns energy into motion
🎯 Bows launch arrows this way
🎯 Bows launch arrows this way
PAGE 2 OF 5 — HOOKE'S IDEA
MORE STRETCH, MORE PULL
WITHIN SAFE LIMITS
For many springs, within a safe range, the pull-back force grows as you stretch farther. Scientists write this idea as Hooke's law for ideal springs: the restoring force is proportional to how far you stretch or compress. Stretch twice as far (still safely) and the spring pulls back about twice as hard. Push past the elastic limit and the spring may bend permanently.
📏 LAW
Hooke's law says restoring force grows with stretch for an ideal spring in its elastic range.
PULL!
SAFE
✅ Stay in the springy range
⚠️ Too far can ruin the coil
⚠️ Too far can ruin the coil
MATH
📐 Force rises with stretch
🧪 Ideal springs follow a pattern
🧪 Ideal springs follow a pattern
LIMIT
💥 Overstretch can permanently bend
🛠️ Real springs have limits
🛠️ Real springs have limits
PAGE 3 OF 5 — COMPRESS AND EXTEND
POGO
🦘 Compression launches upward
🚗 Cars use springy suspensions
🚗 Cars use springy suspensions
MAT
🤸 Trampolines stretch then fling
🧵 Rubber bands love extension
🧵 Rubber bands love extension
TWO WAYS TO STORE
SQUASH OR STRETCH
Springs can store energy by extension (getting longer) or compression (getting shorter). A pogo stick and many car suspensions use compression. A trampoline mat stretches when you land, then flings you upward. Rubber bands mostly store energy when stretched. Different shapes, same idea: change the shape, store energy, then get motion back.
🌀 BOTH
Compression and extension can both store elastic energy in springs and stretchy materials.
BOUNCE!
PAGE 4 OF 5 — EVERYDAY SPRINGS
FROM TOYS TO TOOLS
ENERGY YOU CAN FEEL
Click pens hide tiny springs. Clothespins pinch with springy metal. Door closers and mattress coils use spring ideas too. Archery stores energy in the bow limbs and string, then sends it into the arrow. Everywhere you feel a snap-back, elastic energy is at work. Treat springs carefully: flying coils and snapped bands can sting.
🏹 BOW
A drawn bow stores elastic energy, then transfers much of it to the arrow when released.
SNAP!
TOYS
🖊️ Pens click with tiny springs
🧸 Wind-up toys store twist energy
🧸 Wind-up toys store twist energy
HOME
🚪 Door closers use spring force
🛏️ Mattresses cushion with coils
🛏️ Mattresses cushion with coils
SAFE
👀 Aim bands away from faces
🧤 Do not overstretch old rubber
🧤 Do not overstretch old rubber
PAGE 5 OF 5 — SPRING FACTS
WRAP UP
ENERGY THAT BOUNCES BACK
Elastic materials store energy when stretched or compressed. Within a safe range, many springs pull back harder the farther you stretch them. Release turns stored energy into motion in trampolines, bows, and toys. Respect the elastic limit so springs keep working.
BOUNCE!
TRY
🧪 Gently test a soft spring toy
📓 Notice stretch versus snap-back
📓 Notice stretch versus snap-back
REMEMBER
⚗️ KEY FACTS
Stretch or compress a springy object and you store elastic potential energy. Hooke's idea: more stretch means more restoring force within safe limits. Release turns that energy into motion.
⚡ Elastic energy waits in stretched shapes
📏 More stretch, stronger pull-back (safely)
🏹 Bows and trampolines use the same idea
📏 More stretch, stronger pull-back (safely)
🏹 Bows and trampolines use the same idea
🧠 QUIZ TIME!
SPRINGS & ELASTIC · 5 QUESTIONS
QUESTION 01
What kind of energy does a stretched spring store?
QUESTION 02
What happens when you release a stretched spring?
QUESTION 03
What does Hooke's law say about ideal springs in their safe range?
QUESTION 04
What is the elastic limit?
QUESTION 05
Which everyday object stores elastic energy when drawn?
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