An IGCSE physics class is investigating how the design of a spring affects its extension.
Each student has access to a variety of springs made of different wire thicknesses, a set of standard slotted masses, a metre rule, and other common laboratory clamp stands and accessories.
A student decides to investigate how the thickness (diameter) of the wire from which the spring is wound affects the extension produced by a load.
Suggest three key variables in this investigation that should be kept constant.
The original length of the spring is denoted by l0l_0l0 and the length with a load attached is denoted by lll. State how a student ensures that the measurements of l0l_0l0 and lll are comparable.
It is often not possible to position a metre rule immediately adjacent to the spring. Describe how a student can overcome this issue to obtain an accurate measurement of the length lll.
183 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 1.5.1a Forces, resultant force and motion. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.