Question 1: Define the term 'spring constant' and explain its significance in Hooke's Law.

Answer: The spring constant (k) measures the stiffness of a spring, indicating the force needed to extend or compress it by a unit length. It is significant because it relates force and extension in Hooke's Law (F = kx).

Question 2: Describe how the spring constant affects the behaviour of a spring when a force is applied.

Answer: A higher spring constant means the spring is stiffer, requiring more force to produce the same extension or compression; a lower spring constant means the spring is more flexible.

Question 1: A spring is stretched by 0.05 m when a force of 10 N is applied. Calculate the spring constant (k).

Answer: k = 200 N/m

Question 2: If a spring with a spring constant of 150 N/m is compressed by 0.02 m, what force is required to achieve this compression?

Answer: Force = 3 N

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to determine the spring constant of a spring, including the variables you would control and measure, and safety precautions.

Answer: To determine the spring constant, hang a spring vertically and attach different known masses to it. Measure the extension for each mass using a ruler. Control variables include temperature and the initial length of the spring. Measure the force (weight of mass = mass × gravity) and extension (change in length). Safety precautions include ensuring the spring is securely attached to prevent it from snapping or falling, and handling heavy masses carefully.

Question 1: A spring extended by 0.03 m when a force of 6 N was applied. When the force was increased to 12 N, the extension became 0.06 m. Analysing this data, is the spring obeying Hooke’s Law? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: Yes, the spring obeys Hooke’s Law because the extension is directly proportional to the applied force (doubling the force doubles the extension).

Question 1: Explain how the concept of spring constant is important in designing vehicle suspension systems.

Answer: The spring constant determines the stiffness of suspension springs, affecting ride comfort and handling. Properly chosen springs absorb shocks effectively without transferring excessive force to the vehicle body.

Question 2: In everyday life, give an example where understanding the spring constant is useful.

Answer: Using a spring in a weighing scale relies on the spring constant to measure weight accurately.