Two return springs are tested for a mechanical gate. Both springs behave in their linear elastic regions. Each has an original length of 15.0 cm. The table shows the force applied to each spring and its stretched length.
| Spring | Force applied (N) | Stretched length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 6.0 | 18.0 |
| B | 6.0 | 19.0 |
Calculate the spring constant of spring A.
Calculate the force needed to extend spring A by 5.0 cm.
Spring B is also extended by 5.0 cm.
Calculate the force needed to do this, and use your answer to explain which spring is stiffer.
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.