A student investigates a spring that does not behave ideally over its full range
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
A student investigates a spring that does not behave ideally over its full range. The measured pulling force varies with extension as given in the table.
Extension x (cm): 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Force F (N): 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 10
Assume the graph of F versus x joins the successive points with straight line segments.
(i) Using only the data, calculate an approximate value for the work done in stretching the spring from x=0 to x=10cm.
(ii) Find the average force acting on the spring over this whole extension.
(iii) If the spring had been perfectly ideal with a single spring constant equal to the slope between the first two data points, how much work would have been required for the same 10cm extension? Compare your answer with part (i) and comment briefly on the difference.