physics question

Question

Which of the following best characterizes the elastic potential energy of a spring?

A. Elastic Potential Energy ∝ 1/(the amount by which the spring is stretched/compressed)

B. Elastic Potential Energy ∝ (the amount by which the spring is stretched/compressed)³

C. Elastic Potential Energy ∝ (the amount by which the spring is stretched/compressed)

D. Elastic Potential Energy ∝ (the amount by which the spring is stretched/compressed)²

Answer 1

elastic potential energy = (1/2) k x²

where k = spring constant

x = amount spring is stretched or compressed

This means that elastic potential energy is proportional to x² so your answer is D.