Question detail

Which option best applies extension for Hooke's law and spring constant in AQA GCSE Physics Forces?

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

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Forces and elasticity

Question

  1. A. When the spring is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality — definition focus for extension
  2. B. This confuses elastic and plastic deformation and does not answer Hooke's law and spring constant.
  3. C. This is too vague because it does not use the force or motion quantity named in the objective.
  4. D. This reverses the physical cause and effect for Forces and elasticity.

Answer

The correct answer is: When the spring is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality — definition focus for extension

Explanation

The correct option is When the spring is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality — definition focus for extension. When the spring is stretched beyond its limit of proportionality — definition focus for extension is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to determine spring constant from the gradient of a force-extension graph. This answer belongs to Hooke's law and spring constant within Forces and elasticity, so it must use precise AQA GCSE Physics forces and motion vocabulary. The other options are wrong because they either confuse elastic and plastic deformation, omit the required force or motion condition, or move away from the exact subtopic being tested.

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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