A lightweight spring is clamped horizontally to a laboratory bench
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A lightweight spring is clamped horizontally to a laboratory bench. A student pulls on the free end with various constant horizontal forces and records the corresponding extensions of the spring.
Spring A Data (Sample)
• Force applied: 0.50 N → Extension: 6.5 mm
• Force applied: 1.0 N → Extension: 13 mm
Spring B Data (Sample)
• Force applied: 0.50 N → Extension: 4.1 mm
• Force applied: 1.0 N → Extension: 8.3 mm
Assume the bench provides negligible friction so that each reading represents a static equilibrium state.
(a) Describe the qualitative relationship the student should expect between the applied horizontal force and the resulting extension for each spring. Include the physical reason for this relationship.
(b) Without performing any numerical calculation, explain an experimental procedure the student could use to determine the stiffness (spring constant) of either spring from a complete set of force–extension measurements.
(c) Using only the sample data provided, identify which spring is stiffer. Justify your choice by explaining how the data support your conclusion.