How do you calculate the work done in stretching a spring?

To calculate the work done in stretching a spring, you need to use the formula W = 0.5kx².

When a spring is stretched, work is done on it, which results in potential energy being stored in the spring. The amount of work done can be calculated using the formula W = 0.5kx², where W is the work done, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position.

The spring constant, k, is a measure of the stiffness of the spring and is given in units of N/m. The displacement, x, is the distance the spring is stretched from its equilibrium position and is given in units of metres.

To use the formula, you need to measure the spring constant of the spring and the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. Once you have these values, you can substitute them into the formula and calculate the work done.

It is important to note that the formula only applies to springs that obey Hooke's law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position. If the spring does not obey Hooke's law, then the formula cannot be used to calculate the work done.