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IB Physics SL A.2.9 Springs and Elastic Forces

Practise interpreting spring graphs and explaining how extension, gradient and thermal transfer reveal elastic behaviour.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • calculate restoring force from extension or compression with F=-kx and state its direction
  • interpret a force–extension graph and identify the spring constant from its gradient
  • relate extension and elastic restoring force to energy transfer in a spring

A.2.9—Hooke’s law restoring force question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A spring of negligible mass and length l0l_{0} hangs from a fixed point. When a mass m is attached to the free end of the spring, the length of the spring increases to l. The tension in the spring is equal to kΔxk \Delta x, where k is a constant and Δx\Delta x is the extension of the spring. What is k ?

A

mgl0\frac{m g}{l_{0}}

B

mgl\frac{m g}{l}

C

mgl−l0\frac{m g}{l-l_{0}}

D

mgl0−l\frac{m g}{l_{0}-l}

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