How Do Springs Work?

What You'll Learn

• A spring is a coiled piece of metal that can be squeezed or stretched
• When you push or pull a spring, it stores energy
• When you let go, the spring releases that energy and bounces back
• Springs come in many sizes and are used in many everyday objects
• The tighter the coil, the more energy it can store

Words to Know

Spring

A coiled wire that bounces back

"The spring in my pen pushes the tip out."

Coil

A wire bent into circles

"The spring's coil stores energy."

Compress

To squeeze or push together

"I compressed the spring."

Store

To save something for later

"The spring stores energy."

Check What You Learned

Fun Facts

• A spring is a coiled piece of metal that stores mechanical energy when compressed or stretched

  Source: Britannica

• The coil shape allows the metal to deform without breaking

  Source: engineering textbooks

• When compressed or extended, a spring stores potential energy

  Source: physics textbooks / Hooke's Law

• Upon release, the spring releases stored energy and returns to its resting shape

  Source: Britannica

• Hooke's Law states that the force a spring exerts is proportional to its displacement

  Source: Britannica

• Springs are used in pens, mattresses, trampolines, vehicle suspensions, and pogo sticks

  Source: engineering applications