Figure 14 shows a spring standing on a table - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1

To determine the original length of the spring, follow these steps:

1. Use a ruler with small divisions to measure the spring length accurately.
2. Align the ruler correctly alongside the spring without any parallax error.
3. Take multiple readings to reduce measurement error and average the results for accuracy.

1. Use a ruler with smaller millimeter divisions for more precise measurements.
2. Perform the measurement at eye level to avoid parallax error.

The reduction in length eventually reaches a limit because the coils of the spring become fully compressed, preventing any further extension.

Use Hooke's Law, which states that the force (F) is equal to the spring constant (k) multiplied by the extension (x):

$F = k imes x$ Substituting the given values:

$0.5 = k imes (13 imes 10^{-3})$ Rearranging gives:

$k = \frac{0.5}{13 \times 10^{-3}} = 38.46 \text{ N/m}$

The work done on the spring can be calculated using:

$E = \frac{1}{2} k x^2$ Rearranging gives:

$x^2 = \frac{2E}{k}$ Substituting the given values:

$x^2 = \frac{2 \times 0.14}{175}$ Calculating the extension:

$x^2 = \frac{0.28}{175} = 0.0016$ Therefore,

$x = \sqrt{0.0016} = 0.04 \text{ m}$