Load Extension Worksheet

1


1 The limit of proportionality for a spring is at a force of 175 N.

Sketch the extension–load graph for the spring. The sketch must continue beyond a force of 175 N.




extension




0
0 175 load / N

[2]

[Total: 2]

2 A student suspends a spring from a clamp stand and measures the length l0 of the spring.

The diagram shows the apparatus.




l0




(not to scale)

The student then suspends loads of different weights from the spring and measures the length of
the spring for each load. He then plots a graph of the length of the spring against weight.

This is the graph that the student plots.

, 2


0.80

length / m

0.60




0.40




0.20




0
0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
weight / N


(a) Using the graph, determine the initial length l0 of the spring.



l0 = ................................................. [1]

(b) State what is meant by the limit of proportionality and, using the graph, determine the weight
of the load that causes this spring just to reach the limit of proportionality.

limit of proportionality ........................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

weight = ............................................................................................................................ [2]

(c) Using the graph, determine the spring constant of this spring.




spring constant = ......................................... [3]

[Total: 6]

3 The speed of the motorcycle in the diagram is 20 m / s.