A horizontal ideal spring with spring constant is compressed by a distance

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A horizontal ideal spring with spring constant

k

is compressed by a distance

x

. Which expression gives the potential energy stored in the spring? (a)

U = kx^{2}

(b)

U = -\dfrac12 kx^{2}

(c)

U = \dfrac12 kx^{2}

(d)

U = \dfrac14 kx^{2}