Elastic potential energy refers to energy contained in elastic bodies

Elastic potential energy refers to energy contained in elastic bodies (Viegas, 2005). Examples of elastic bodies include catapults, rubber bands, springs, and bows used to propel arrows. The amount of potential energy depends on the amount of stretch a body undergoes. A real life situation that involves transformation of elastic potential energy is in the use of a dart gun. When using a dart gun, elastic potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. The compressed springs of the dart gun contain elastic potential energy that is transferred to the dart when the trigger is pulled. The springs stretch and transfer potential energy to the dart thus setting it in motion toward the target (Viegas, 2005). The force used to compress the springs is converted to elastic potential energy when the spring is in a compressed state. The aforementioned examples demonstrate the validity of the law of conservation of energy. In the first example, energy undergoes transformation while in the second example involves transfer of energy.