Question 1: Define the spring constant and explain its units.

Answer: The spring constant, denoted by k, measures the stiffness of a spring; it is defined as the force required to extend or compress the spring by a unit distance. Its SI units are newtons per metre (N/m).

Question 2: Describe the relationship between the force applied to a spring and its extension.

Answer: The relationship is directly proportional, meaning as the force increases, the extension of the spring increases proportionally, following Hooke's Law: F = kx.

Question 1: A spring is stretched by a force of 10 N and extends by 0.2 m. Calculate its spring constant.

Answer: k = 50 N/m

Question 2: A spring with a spring constant of 200 N/m is compressed by 0.05 m. What force is required to produce this compression?

Answer: Force = 10 N

Question 1: Describe a simple experimental procedure to determine the spring constant of a spring. Include the variables you would control and measure.

Answer: Attach the spring to a fixed support, hang known masses to apply force, measure the extension for each mass, and plot force against extension to find the spring constant from the gradient. Control variables include the initial length of the spring and temperature.

Question 2: List two safety precautions students should take when performing experiments involving springs and weights.

Answer: Ensure the spring is securely attached to prevent it from snapping and avoid overloading the spring beyond its elastic limit to prevent permanent deformation or breakage.

Question 1: A spring stretched by 0.15 m with a force of 30 N. If the extension doubles when the force is increased to 60 N, what is the spring constant? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: Since force and extension are proportional according to Hooke's Law, the spring constant remains the same. Using F = kx, with F = 30 N and x = 0.15 m, k = 200 N/m. Doubling the force to 60 N doubles the extension to 0.3 m, confirming the proportionality and consistency of the spring constant at 200 N/m.

Question 1: Explain how the spring constant affects the design of car suspensions.

Answer: A car suspension system uses springs with a specific spring constant to absorb shocks; a higher spring constant results in a stiffer suspension, providing better handling but less comfort, while a lower constant offers a smoother ride.

Question 2: Identify a technological application where understanding the spring constant is essential and briefly describe its importance.

Answer: In seismic isolation devices used in earthquake engineering, springs with specific spring constants are employed to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, protecting buildings from earthquake damage.