Question detail
What happens to the extension of a spring when the force applied exceeds its limit of proportionality?
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
- A. The spring will return to its original length
- B. The spring will break
- C. The spring will undergo permanent deformation
- D. The spring will not change
Answer
The spring will undergo permanent deformation
Explanation
When the force exceeds the limit of proportionality, the spring will not return to its original length and will be permanently deformed.
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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