Answers to AQA GCSE Using Force-Extension graphs

Practice Questions

1.What two pieces of information can be obtained from a Force extension graph

How the extension of a material is changed when a force is applied to it.

The gradient of a force extension graph will give the spring constant

2. How can we use a force extension graph to obtain the spring constant for an elastic material?

Draw two lines against the graph line, one vertical and one horizontal to form a triangle. Measure the length of both of these lines. 

Then calculate the gradient, which will equal the spring constant.

3. Using the graph below, calculate the spring constant

Draw the two lines to form a triangle  as shown below.

Gradient (spring constant) = 9N/0.6m = 15N/m