GCSE Physics Revision: Hooke's Law and spring constant (With Mock Questions!)
Hey there, future physicists! 👋
Today, we're diving into one of the most fundamental concepts in GCSE Physics: Hooke's Law and the spring constant. This topic is all about understanding how springs work and how we can calculate their stiffness. Let's make sure you're fully prepared for this part of the exam!
What is Hooke's Law? 🤔
Hooke's Law tells us that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to it, as long as the spring isn't stretched beyond its elastic limit. In simple terms, if you pull on a spring, it stretches. The more you pull, the more it stretches—but only up to a certain point!
The formula you need to remember is:
Force (F) = Spring Constant (k) × Extension (e)
Where:
- Force (F) is measured in newtons (N)
- Spring Constant (k) is measured in newtons per meter (N/m)
- Extension (e) is measured in meters (m)
Key Learning Items 📚
Here’s what you need to get a solid grasp on this topic:
🎯 Understanding Hooke’s Law: Know the relationship between force, spring constant, and extension.
🎯 Elastic Limit: Be aware that Hooke's Law only applies up to the point where the spring is permanently deformed.
🎯 Spring Constant: Recognize that the spring constant (k) tells us how stiff or flexible a spring is.
🎯 Graphing Hooke’s Law: Be able to plot a force vs. extension graph and identify the linear region where Hooke’s Law is valid.
What You Need to Show in the Exam 💪
At this level, you should be able to:
- Describe Hooke’s Law in your own words.
- Calculate the force, spring constant, or extension using the formula.
- Interpret a force vs. extension graph and explain what it tells you about the spring.
- Apply the concept of the elastic limit in problem-solving scenarios.
Key Things to Remember Before the Exam 📝
1️⃣ Memorize the Formula: F = k × e. This formula is your best friend for solving problems related to Hooke's Law.
2️⃣ Understand the Units: Force is in newtons (N), the spring constant is in newtons per meter (N/m), and extension is in meters (m).
3️⃣ Elastic Limit: Don’t forget that Hooke’s Law only works up to the elastic limit. If a spring is stretched too far, it won’t return to its original shape.
4️⃣ Practice Graphs: Be comfortable with drawing and interpreting force vs. extension graphs. The slope of the graph in the linear region represents the spring constant.
5️⃣ Check Your Calculations: Always double-check your math, especially units, to avoid simple mistakes.
Mock Questions: Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
Q1 - According to Hooke's Law, which of the following correctly describes the relationship between force and extension?
a) Force is inversely proportional to extension
b) Force is directly proportional to extension
c) Force is inversely proportional to spring constant
d) Force is independent of extension
Q2 - What does the spring constant (k) represent in Hooke's Law?
a) The amount of force applied to the spring
b) The stiffness of the spring
c) The amount of extension in the spring
d) The mass of the spring
Q3 - Which of the following units is used for the spring constant (k)?
a) Newton (N)
b) Meter (m)
c) Newton per meter (N/m)
d) Joule (J)
Q4 - A spring has a spring constant of 150 N/m. If a force of 30 N is applied, what is the extension?
a) 0.2 m
b) 2 m
c) 5 m
d) 0.5 m
Q5 - What happens to a spring when it is stretched beyond its elastic limit?
a) It returns to its original shape
b) It stays permanently stretched
c) It breaks immediately
d) It continues to obey Hooke's Law
Answers and even more questions can be found in our GCSE Physics Multiple Choice Booklet
Good luck with your revision! Keep practicing, and remember, you’ve got this! 💪✨