A student investigated how the extension of a spring depends on the force applied to
the spring.

The diagram shows the spring before and after a force had been applied.

1 (a) (i) Complete the following sentence using letters, A, B, C or D, from the diagram.

The extension of the spring is the distance between the positions labelled …………………. and …………………. on the metre rule.

(1 mark)

1 (a) (ii) What form of energy is stored in the stretched spring?

(1 mark)

1 (b) The results from the investigation are plotted on the following graph.

1 (b) (i) The graph shows that the student has made an error throughout the investigation.
What error has the student made?

Give the reason for your answer

(2 marks)

1 (b) (ii) The student has loaded the spring beyond its limit of proportionality.

Mark on the graph line the limit of proportionality of the spring. Label the point P.

Give the reason for choosing your point P.

(2 marks)

1 (c) The student uses a different spring as a spring balance. When the student hangs a stone from this spring, its extension is 72 mm.

The spring does not go past the limit of proportionality.

Calculate the force exerted by the stone on the spring.

spring constant = 25 N/m

Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

Force = …………………………. N
(2 marks)

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From Q1 P2 AQA January 2012 (Higher)