Unit 9B - Elasticity - Recall Questions

Question 1

F = k x x

Answer 1

Force = spring constant x extension

Question 2

What are the units for force?

Answer 2

N (newtons)

Question 3

What are the units for extension?

Answer 3

m (metres)

Question 4

What are the units for spring constant?

Answer 4

N/m (newtons per metre)

Note: this could also be N/cm and N/mm

Question 5

What is the relationship between extension and the force applied?

Answer 5

Directly proportional (as one increases, the other increases at the same rate)

Question 6

What does a graph showing a directly proportional relationship look like?

Answer 6

● Straight line
● Line passing through the
origin (0, 0)

Question 7

What energy is stored inside a spring when it is extended or compressed?

Answer 7

Elastic potential energy

Question 8

How do you measure the extension of a spring?

Answer 8

Find the difference between the original length and the new length (with force applied)

Question 9

Required / Core Practical: Investigating springs

Answer 9

To investigate the relationship between force and extension:
1. Measure the original length of the spring (record as
length when force = 0N).
2. Add a 100g (1N) mass and record the new length.
Repeat by adding more masses.
3. Calculate the extension (new length - original length).
4. Plot a graph of force against extension