Where Does a Squashed Spring’s Stored Energy Go When You Let Go?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Where does a squashed spring’s stored energy go when you let go?

The Big Idea

Squeezing or stretching a spring puts energy into it. Let go, and it springs right back! Where does that stored energy go?

Squeeze It

Step one: squeeze it. When you squeeze or stretch a spring, you store energy in it. The metal wants to go back to its natural shape.

Let Go

Step two: let go. When you let go, the stored energy turns into motion. The spring bounces back, and it may overshoot and wiggle for a while.

Bouncing Fades

Step three: the bounces fade. A little energy always changes into heat and sound. So the bouncing slowly fades until the spring is still.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A spring has a natural shape. Squeezing stores energy. Letting go turns it into motion. Heat and sound take some away.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Springs inside a car help smooth out bumps by squeezing and springing back. Some mattresses use springs too. Each bounce makes a little sound. Each bounce also makes a little heat, so the bouncing fades.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Push a spring toy down on a table. Let it go. Count how many bounces it makes. Does it stop sooner or later than you expected? Share your results with someone you love.

Outro

A spring stores energy when squeezed, then releases it as motion when you let go. Think of trampolines, pens, and toys that all use the same idea! Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!