5.3 Forces and Elasticity

Question 1

explain the relationship between the force applied and the extension of an elastic object.

Answer 1

the extension is directly proportional to the force applied, provided that the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.

Question 2

what is meant by an inelastic deformation?

Answer 2

• a deformation which results in the object being permanently stretched
• the object doesn’t return to its original shape when the force is removed

Question 2

state the equation relating force, spring constant and extension.

Answer 2

force = spring constant x extension
force (N), spring constant (N/m), extension (m)

Question 3

what type of energy is stored in a spring when it is stretched?

Answer 3

elastic potential energy.

Question 4

what can extension be replaced with in the equation for spring force?

Answer 4

compression.