Which form of energy increases when a spring is compressed? A. chemical potential energy B. elastic potential energy C. kinetic energy D. radiant energy E. thermal energy

Answer:

Elastic potential energy

Explanation:

The potential energy of a spring is given by :

[tex]U=\dfrac{1}{2}kx^2[/tex]..........(1)

Where

k = spring constant

x = compression or elongation in the spring

When the spring is compresses, elastic potential energy of the spring increase. From equation (1), it is clear that the elastic potential energy of spring is directly proportional to the compression or elongation in the spring.

Hence, the correct option is (b) "elastic potential energy".