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CAIE IGCSE Physics Spring Constant

Practise calculating spring constant, force or extension with k = F/x, extracting extension from length data and determining k experimentally or from a graph.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • subtract unstretched length to obtain extension before using k = F/x with compatible units
  • rearrange k = F/x for force or extension and retain the sign when compression is represented
  • determine k from the gradient of force against extension and describe the apparatus and measurements

1.5.1.9—Spring constant as force per unit question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

A force is a vector quantity.

A student suspends a spring from a clamp stand and measures the length l0l_{0} of the spring.

Fig. 2.1 shows the apparatus.

Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

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

Fig. 2.2

Using Fig. 2.2, determine the spring constant of this spring.
spring constant =

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