Photo AI
A student suspended a spring from a laboratory stand and then hung a weight from the spring - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
A student suspended a spring from a laboratory stand and then hung a weight from the spring. Figure 1 shows the spring before and after the weight is added. Figure... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student suspended a spring from a laboratory stand and then hung a weight from the spring - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Measure the extension of the spring shown in Figure 1.
Answer
The extension of the spring can be measured by finding the difference between the original length and the length after the weight is applied. From the ruler in Figure 1, it can be observed that the extension is approximately between 12 mm and 13 mm.
Step 2
Explain why adjusting the ruler was important.
Answer
Adjusting the ruler to be vertical was important to reduce parallax error. If the ruler is not vertical, the measurements taken may be inaccurate due to the angle at which the measurement is viewed, making the extension appear shorter or longer than it actually is.
Step 3
Step 4
Why does the data plotted in Figure 3 support the student's prediction?
Answer
The data plotted in Figure 3 supports the student's prediction because it shows a linear relationship between the weight added and the extension of the spring. This demonstrates that the spring follows Hooke's Law, which states that the extension is directly proportional to the weight applied up to the elastic limit.
Step 5
What can you conclude from Figure 4 about the deformation of the spring?
Answer
From Figure 4, it can be concluded that the spring exhibits elastic deformation, as the spring returns to its original length after the weights are removed. The graph indicates a linear relationship between weight and extension, demonstrating that the spring behaves according to Hooke's Law up to the elastic limit.