A prototype luggage scale contains a spring connected to a pointer. The distance moved by the pointer is equal to the extension of the spring.
The scale must:
An engineer applies known forces to the hook of the scale. The original length of the spring is 12.0 cm.
| Applied force / N | Length of spring / cm |
|---|---|
| 0 | 12.0 |
| 10 | 13.0 |
| 20 | 14.0 |
| 30 | 15.0 |
| 40 | 16.0 |
| 50 | 17.3 |
After the 50 N force is removed, the length of the spring is 12.2 cm.
The gravitational field strength is 10 N/kg.
Describe how the engineer should use the results to find the spring constant, calibrate the scale and decide whether the prototype meets the requirements.
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.