5.3.3 Force–Extension Graphs

infoNote

A force–extension graph shows the relationship between the force applied to a material and its resulting extension. These graphs are useful for understanding how materials respond to different forces and for determining their mechanical properties.

infoNote

A force-extension graph can be used to calculate the work done in joules when stretching a spring. Force should be plotted on the vertical (y) axis

Extension should be plotted on the horizontal (x) axis

As long as the limit of proportionality is not exceeded this should produce a straight line graph that passes through the origin as shown below.

Example Question

Using the graph, calculate the work done to extend the spring from 0 m to 0.10 m

The area under the line is a triangle:

Area = \frac{1}{2} × base × height

= \frac{1}{2} × 0.10 × 5 = :success[0.25 J]

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