Question detail

If a spring has a spring constant of 200 N/m and is extended by 0.5 m, what is the force applied to the spring? Use Hooke's law Explain your answer using Hooke's law and spring constant and extension.

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

Question

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Style

Topic

Forces and elasticity

Question

If a spring has a spring constant of 200 N/m and is extended by 0.5 m, what is the force applied to the spring? Use Hooke's law Explain your answer using Hooke's law and spring constant and extension.

Answer

The force applied to the spring is 100 N.

Explanation

A strong answer should address determine spring constant from the gradient of a force-extension graph directly. Use the context of Hooke's law and spring constant within Forces and elasticity, then state the relevant forces or motion reasoning with units where needed. The answer is correct when it names the key physics quantity, keeps elastic and plastic deformation distinct, and links the conclusion back to the approved learning objective.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Gradient

Students often confuse the gradient of a force-extension graph with the total extension, thinking it represents the overall length change rather than the spring constant.

Emphasize that the gradient of the linear section of the graph represents the spring constant, which is the ratio of force to extension, not the total extension itself.

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