CAIE IGCSE Physics 1.5.1.2 Load–extension graphs for an elastic
Practise reading spring and elastic-solid data, finding extension, and linking straight-line load-extension graphs to Hooke's law.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Practise reading spring and elastic-solid data, finding extension, and linking straight-line load-extension graphs to Hooke's law.
A force is a vector quantity.
A student suspends a spring from a clamp stand and measures the length l0 of the spring.
Fig. 2.1 shows the apparatus.

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)
The student then suspends loads of different weights from the spring and measures the length of the spring for each load. He then plots a graph of the length of the spring against weight.
Fig. 2.2 is the graph that the student plots.

Fig. 2.2
Using Fig. 2.2, determine the initial length l0 of the spring.
0.12 m
B1