Why is displacement squared in this formula?

As a spring stretches further, the force needed to stretch it further also increases (per Hooke's Law), so the stored energy grows with the square of displacement, not linearly.

Spring Potential Energy Calculator

Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in a spring based on its spring constant and displacement from its natural length.

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Elastic Potential Energy: 0.5 J

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Formula

PE = ½kx²

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