Scribd
Upload
15 views2 pages

Spring Constant Practice

This worksheet focuses on calculating the spring constant using Hooke's Law for springs in both series and parallel configurations. It includes theoretical recaps, example problems, and practice questions to reinforce the concepts. The document provides formulas and step-by-step solutions for determining the spring constants in various scenarios.

Uploaded by

reubenkoki-kaweesa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
15 views2 pages

Spring Constant Practice

This worksheet focuses on calculating the spring constant using Hooke's Law for springs in both series and parallel configurations. It includes theoretical recaps, example problems, and practice questions to reinforce the concepts. The document provides formulas and step-by-step solutions for determining the spring constants in various scenarios.

Uploaded by

reubenkoki-kaweesa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

A Level Physics Worksheet: Finding Spring Constants (9702)

Topic: Force, Extension, and Spring Constant

This worksheet provides guided examples and practice questions on how to find the spring constant of a
specific spring in both series and parallel systems.

Theory Recap:

Hooke's Law:

F = kx

- F : Force (N)
- x : Extension (m)
- k : Spring constant (N/m)

For springs in parallel: - Extension is the same for all springs. - Total force is shared. - ktotal = k1 + k2 +
…

For springs in series: - Force is the same for all springs. - Total extension is the sum. - k 1 = 1
k1 + 1
k2 +
total
…

Example 1: Parallel System

Two springs are connected in parallel and support a 50 N load. The system extends by 0.25 m. - Spring A:
k1 = 100 N/m - Spring B: k2 =?

Solution: - Extension in both springs = 0.25 m - Force in A: F1 = k1 x = 100 × 0.25 = 25 N - Force in B:


F2 25
F2 = 50 − 25 = 25 N - k2 = x = 0.25 = 100 N/m

Example 2: Series System

Two springs in series extend a total of 0.60 m under a 30 N load. - Spring A: k1 = 150 N/m - Spring B: k2 =
?

30
Solution: - Force in both = 30 N - Extension in A: x1 = 150 = 0.20 m - Extension in B: x2 = 0.60 − 0.20 =
30
0.40 m - k2 = 0.40 = 75 N/m

1
Practice Questions

Q1: Parallel Springs

Two springs support a 90 N load. The extension is 0.3 m. - Spring A: k1 = 200 N/m - Spring B: k2 =?

Find k2 .

Q2: Series Springs

Two springs in series stretch a total of 0.50 m under a 20 N force. - Spring A: k1 = 100 N/m - Spring B:
k2 =?

Find k2 .

Q3: Mixed Application

A spring system is made of two springs: - Spring A: k1 = 120 N/m - Spring B: k2 = 180 N/m

(a) Find total k in parallel.

(b) Find total k in series.

Use the space below each question for your workings. Check answers using Hooke's Law and system rules.

You might also like