Contextualization
Elastic potential energy is a key concept in physics that describes the energy stored in an elastic body when it undergoes deformation. It manifests when the body returns to its initial state, when the deformation ceases, and the energy is released. This energy follows Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed to stretch or compress a spring by a distance is proportional to that distance.
Elastic potential energy is present in our daily lives in various ways, some of which are well known, such as in children's toys that use springs to function, slingshots, car shock absorbers, and even in our bodies, like in muscles that are continuously stretched and relaxed.
Studying elastic potential energy helps us understand not only how these devices work but also assists in various areas of engineering and technology. In civil engineering, for example, the knowledge of elastic potential energy is incorporated into the construction of buildings and bridges, aiming to increase the strength and durability of these structures. In medicine, the knowledge of elastic potential energy is used in designing limb prostheses, allowing to simulate the natural sensation of movement.
Therefore, this project aims to explore the concept of elastic potential energy in a practical and multidisciplinary way, allowing you to apply the theoretical knowledge of physics to practical experiments and see how this concept applies to the real world.
To delve deeper into the subject, I suggest the following literature and videos:
Books:
- "Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics" - Halliday, Resnick, and Walker.
- "Conceptual Physics" - Paul G. Hewitt.
Videos:
Website:
