A wind-up clock stores mechanical energy. This energy is stored in a mainspring, a tightly wound coil of metal inside the clock. When the clock is wound, the mainspring is compressed, and energy is stored in the form of potential energy.
As the mainspring unwinds, this stored potential energy is gradually converted into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is transferred through a series of gears and escapements, which regulate the release of energy to move the clock’s hands and keep time.
So, to summarize:
- Energy stored: Mechanical (potential energy in the mainspring)
- Energy released: Mechanical (kinetic energy driving the clock mechanism)