Springs Flashcards
1
Q
define spring constant
A
the force needed to stretch a spring a unit of distance
2
Q
what does a straight line through the origin on a force extension graph tell us
A
the extension of a spring is directly proportional to a force acting on it (Hookes law)
3
Q
what can yo say about an elastic object when the line on a force extension graph is no longer straight
A
the object has exceeded its elastic limit. it will no longer return to its original length
4
Q
what does the gradient of a force extension graph tell you about an elastic object
A
it’s spring constant. the steeper the gradient the larger the force constant
5
Q
what type of energy is stored in a stretched spring
A
elastic potential energy
