Two different spring-return mechanisms are being considered for retracting lightweight covers on equipment. Each mechanism uses one spring to pull the cover back when it is released. The table shows a measurement for each spring while it is in its linear region.
| Spring | Force applied in N\mathrm{N}N | Extension in m\mathrm{m}m |
|---|---|---|
| P | 4.0 | 0.050 |
| Q | 4.5 | 0.025 |
Each spring is stretched until it stores 0.20 J of elastic potential energy. Both springs stay within their linear regions.
Calculate how many times greater the force exerted on spring Q is than the force exerted on spring P.
102 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 15.1 Forces and springs, covering 15.1.1 Elastic and inelastic distortion, 15.1.2 The spring constant, 15.1.3 Work done in stretching a spring, and 15.1.4 Linear and non-linear force–extension. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.