Elastic Springs

Robert Hooke found that the extension (x) of a spring

was directly proportional to the Tension (T) of the
spring. Where k is the proportional
T = kx constant and was given the -1
name stiffness with a unit Nm
Hooke also found that this constant was inversely
proportional to the natural length(l) of the string.
Where the constant is now called λ
 
T = λ the modulus of elasticity which is
measured in Newtons.
These two formula for the tension of
a spring are known as Hooke’s Law
1) An elastic rope is extended by 20% when it is used to
secure goods on a lorry. If the tension on the rope is
140N what is the modulus of elasticity?
 
T=λ
 
140 = λ

140 = 0.2λ
λ = 140 ÷ 0.2 = 700N
 2) The spring in suspension exerts a thrust of 3kN when
it is compressed to a length of 17.5cm. The modulus is
24kN. Find its natural length.
 
T=λ
 
3000 = 24000 l = 8l – 1.4
-7l = – 1.4
3000l = 24000(1 – 0.175)
l = 0.2m
 
l = 24000
 
l=8
3) A tension of 3N produces an extension of 2.5cm in an
elastic string. Find
a) The stiffness k
b) The tension when the extension is 15cm.

T = kx T = kx
3 = k x 0.025 T = 160 x 0.15
k = 120 Nm-1 T = 24N
4) A particle P is attached to the midpoint of a light
elastic spring of natural length 0.5m and modulus 56N.
The ends of the string are fixed at points A and B which
are on the same horizontal level and 0.6m apart. When
in equilibrium AP and PB are inclined 60o to the
horizontal. Find the mass of the particle.

0.6m T1 = T2  T = λ Resolve vertically

A B
60o 60o  cos 60 = mg = 2 x 78.4sin60
  T = 56x
 AP = mg = 135.79
T = 78.4N
T1 T2
 AP = m = 13.856…
P  x + l = m = 13.9kg
 x + l =
mg  x =
 x =
5) A tennis ball of mass 60g is attached to a post in a
garden by an elastic string of natural length 3m.
When using this equipment for practice a player
holds the ball so that the string is horizontal and
stretched by 15cm. If the force applied to the ball by
the player is F newtons acting at 15o above the
horizontal find:
a) The value of F
b) The modulus of the string.
Resolve vertically Resolve horizontally
F
0.06g = Fsin15 T = Fcos15
T 15o   F=  T = λ = Fcos15
  λ = 2.27cos15
0.06g F = 2.27 N
λ = 43.9N
6) A body of mass Mkg lies on a smooth horizontal
surface and is connected to a point O on the surface by a
light elastic string of natural length 50cm and modulus
70N. When the body moves in a horizontal circular path
about O with a constant speed of 3.5ms-1 the extension
of the string is 20cm. Find the mass of the body.

R  T = λ   T=
-1
s
3.5m   T=7   28 =
O T = 28N
28 = 17.5M
0.7m
Mg
M = 1.6kg
 Energy Stored in a Spring
We know that Work done is equal to the Force x distance
however the Force varies with the distance so you can
integrate to find the Work done or find the average Force
and use that. This Work done can also be
 
F at O = 0N F at x = λN found using the stiffness k.
  F at O = 0N F at x = kxN
Average Force = (0 + λ) ÷ 2
 
=λ Average Force = (0 + kx) ÷ 2
 
=
 
Work done = λ x  
Work done = x
 
Work done = λ  
Work done =

This Work done is in the  

Ep= λ =
form of Potential Energy.
The firing mechanism in a pinball machine contains a spring of
natural length 4cm whose modulus is 10N. The work done im
compressing the spring is 0.05J. By how much is the spring
compressed?
 
Ep= λ
  0.05 = 1

  =

  = 0.0004
  = 0.02m
 Conservation of Energy in a Spring
The principles of conservation of energy of course also
applies to springs i.e. the sum of the potential and kenetic
energies are always constant in a system.

Potential Potential Kinetic

Total = Energy from Constant
+ Energy from + Energy from = Value
Energy gravity spring movement

ET = EP + EEP + EK
A particle P of mass 0.5kg is attached to one end of a light
elastic string of natural length 40cm and modulus 7N. The
other end is attached to a fixed point O. The particle is
released from rest at the point A, which is 1m vertically below
O. Find the velocity of the particle when the string becomes
slack.
Initial Slack Initial Energy Energy at B
Position Position ET = EP + EEP + EK ET = EP + EEP + EK
O O
  ET = 0 + λ + 0  3.15= (0.5gx0.6) + 0 +
  v2
0.4m ET = 7
1m
B   3.15 = 2.94 + v2
ET = 3.15J
  0.21 = v2
A
0.5g
v2 = 0.84
0.5g v = 0.92ms-1
A toy engine has a mass of 800g. When it reaches a buffer at the
end of the line it is travelling at 0.1ms-1. The buffer consists of a
spring of natural length 3cm and modulus 4.5N. Find the
compression in the spring when the engine comes to rest.

v = 0.1ms-1 Engine’s energy  E

K = EP =
 E = mv2
K
 0.004 =
 E = x 0.8 x 0.12
K
x2 = 0.0000533…
0.03m EK = 0.004J
m = 0.8kg x = 0.0073029…
No Ep as movement
x = 0.0073m
is horizontal
x = 7.3mm
A man, of mass 70kg is going to carry out a sponsored bungee
jump from a bridge. The bridge is 64m above the river which
flows beneath. The rope he intends to use has a modulus of 4kN.
Taking g = 10ms-2 find the natural length of the rope needed if he
plans to fall a distance of 60m.
When on bridge ET = 0J
At lowest point   - 42 000 = 0
EK = 0J   = 42 000
60m

m = 70kg EP = mgh
  3600 – 120l + l2 =
EP = 70x10x(-60)
EP = -42 000J 3600 – 120l + l2 = 21l
 E =
P l2 – 141l +3600 = 0
 E Use quad formula
P=
l = 33.48m or 107.52m
The previous example ignore air resistance. However if a constant
force of 80N opposed the motion the solution is altered:

  - 42 000 + 4800 = 0
80N   = 37200
60m

m = 70kg
  3600 – 120l + l2 =

3600 – 120l + l2 = 18.6l

l2 – 138.6l +3600 = 0
WD by air = F x d
Use quad formula
WD by air = 80 x 60
l = 34.3m or 103.7m
WD by air = 4800J
 Newton’s Law of Restitution
If a ball is dropped from a certain height the height to which it bounces
back will depend on the material of the ball and the surface it is
bouncing on.
In general the speed after the collision will be less than before the
collision:
Where v is the speed after
v=exu u is the speed before
This is Newton’s Law and e coefficient of restitution
of Restitution
e must always be smaller than 1 as the speed after is less so
0 ≤ e ≤ 1. Add speeds if
If e = 1 this is called a perfectly elastic collision. travelling away from
If e = 0 this is called an inelastic collision. each other
The coefficient of restitution can  e = =
be found by using the speeds
before and after the collision: or v2 ± v1 = e(u2 ± u1)
 The diagram illustrates collisions between smooth spheres with
identical radius. Calculate e between each pair of spheres:
v2
   = 1.5ms−1  
u  2 = 1ms−1  v1  = 0.5ms−1  
 
a) u 1 = 3ms−1 
 

before after
u 2 = 0ms−1  v1  = 1ms−1  v2
     = 1.5ms−1  
b)
u 1 = 3ms−1 
   

before after

 e =  e
a) b) =

 e =  e =

 e  e =
=
 Two smooth spheres A and B are travelling towards each other
with speeds of 0.1ms-1 and 0.4ms-1. After impact the direction
of A is reversed and its speed doubled. If e = 0.6, what is the
speed of B.
before after
u 2 = 0.4 ms−1 v1  = 0.2ms−1  v2
     = ? 
u 1 = 0.1ms−1  
   

v1 + v2 = e(u1 + u2)

0.2 + v2 = 0.6(0.1 + 0.4)

v2 = (0.6 x 0.5) – 0.2
v2 = 0.1ms-1
 A smooth sphere is travelling with a speed of 5ms-1 towards a
vertical wall. After impact with the wall it rebounds with an
initial speed of 4ms-1. Calculate the coefficient of restitution.

before after
u  1 = 5ms−1  v1  = 4ms−1 
 

 e =

 e =

 e =
 Asmooth sphere of mass 4m is travelling in a straight line on a
horizontal table. It collides with another sphere with identical radius and
mass 8m moving on the same straight line but in the opposite direction.
Before collision, the speed of A is u ms-1 and B 0.6ms-1. After A’s speed is
doubled and reversed. Given e = determine the speeds of both spheres
after impact.
u  1   v1
   = 2u1 
u 2 = 0.6ms−1 
  v2
   = ? 

4m 8m 4m 8m
before after
Use principle of conservation of Use Law of Restitution:
momentum:
4m x u1 + 8m x (-0.6) = 4m x (-2u1) + 8m x v2 v1 + v2 = e(u1 + u2)

4mu1 – 4.8m = -8mu1 + 8mv2 2u1 + v2 = 0.5(u1 + 0.6)

4u1 + 2v2 = u1 + 0.6
u1 – 1.2 = -2u1 + 2v2
3u1 + 2v2 = 0.6
3u1 - 2v2 = 1.2
Use simultaneous equations to solve:
 3u1 - 2v2 = 1.2 1
3u1 + 2v2 = 0.6 2
Sub v2 = -0.15ms-1 in 1
2 -1
4v2 = -0.6 3u1 – 2(-0.15) = 1.2
v2 = -0.15ms-1 3u1 + 0.3 = 1.2
3u1 = 0.9
u1 = 0.3ms-1

Therefore both spheres are moving to the left with respective

speeds of 0.6ms-1 and 0.15ms-1.
 Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion occurs when an object is displaced in one
direction from a position of rest, travels back through that position
to the same displacement on the other side.
For example, a floating cork pushed under the surface or a child
pushed on a swing or a model plane on a vertical sping which is
pulled down and released.
In practice each of these would come to rest due to resistance to
motion however if there was no resistance then the oscilation would
go on forever.
This movement is called Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM).
The distance from the centre of motion to the end of the path is
called the amplitude (A).
The resultant force acting on the body increases the further it is
from the centre and hence the greater the acceleration.
Linear SHM is motion which the acceleration is directed towards a
fixed point and is proportional to the distance from the fixed point
(the centre of oscillation).
SHM is a form of circular motion, using the eqution for displacement
from circular motion:
x = A sin ωt
Differentiating gives v = A ω cos ωt

Differentiating again gives a = - A ω2 sin ωt

Replace with x we get a = - ω2 x

ω2 is the constant of proportionality in SHM

Seven SHM formulae to remember:

a = - ω2 x x = Asin(ωt + ε)
ε is the constant
v2 = ω2(A2 – x2) v = Aωcos(ωt + ε) of integration

vmax = ωA   T= T is the period

or periodic time
amax = -ω2A
 1) Find the maximum speed and acceleration of a particle
moving with SHM of period and amplitude 25cm

  T=  =

  =8

vmax = ωA amax = -ω2A

vmax = 8 x 0.25 amax = -(8)2 x 0.25
vmax = 2ms-1 amax = -16ms-2
 2) A particle moves with SHM about O.
When it is 50cm from O its speed is 3.6ms-1 and
when it is 120 cm from O its speed is 1.5ms-1.
Find the amplitude and period of motion

v2 = ω2(A2 – x2) v2 = ω2(A2 – x2)

3.62 = ω2(A2 – 0.52) 1.52 = ω2(A2 – 1.22)
You can multiply out and use simultaneous equations or a
shortcut is to divide the two equations.
  =   10.71= 18.0999

  = 1.69
  =   = 1.3m
  3.62() = 1.52(A2 – 0.52) 1.52 = ω2(1.32 – 1.22)
1.52 = 0.25ω2
  3.62) = 1.52A2 – (1.52x0.52)
9 = ω2 ω=3
  = 1.3m ω=3

  T=

  T = secs
 Springs and Simple Harmonic Motion
1) A particle, P, of mass 1.5kg is attached to one end of a spring of
natural length 50cm and modulus 6N. The other end, O, is
attached to a point on a smooth horizontal surface. P is held at
rest on the surface with OP = 0.75m and then released. Show P
performs SHM and find the maximum acceleration.
At equilibrium

O P O
m = 1.5kg l = 0.5m m = 1.5kg x = 0.75 - 0.5m

If this system gives an equation in the form of a = - ω2 x this

proves SHM occurs.
 T

P O
m = 1.5kg x = 0.75 - 0.5m

 T = -λ = ma   =8
 
  = √8 = 2√2
-6 x = 1.5a
A will be the initial
-12x = 1.5a
displacement A = 0.25m
a = -8x
amax = -(√8)2 x 0.25
This is in the form of a = - ω2
x therefore SHM occurs. amax = -2ms-2
2) A light elastic spring of natural length 50cm and modulus 20gN,
hangs vertically with its upper end fixed and a body of mass 6kg
attached at the other. The body initially rests in equilibrium but is
then pulled down 0.25m and released. Show the motion is SHM
and find the period of motion and maximum speed.
Find extension at equilibrium
0.5m

 T = λ = mg
  20g = 6g
T
40e = 6
0.25m e

Equilibrium
point e = 0.15m
After using balance of Forces
m = 6kg
mg – T = ma -40gx = 6a
6g  6g – 20g = 6a  a =
6g – 40g(0.15 + x) = 6a In the form of
a = - ω2 x
6g – (6g + 40gx) = 6a SHM occurs.
 Extension beyond equilibrium
0.5m

is 0.25m therefore Amplitude

is 0.25m.
T
0.25m e

 a =
Equilibrium
point
  =
m = 6kg
6g
  =√= vmax = ωA
  vmax = x0.25
  T=
  vmax =

  T = secs
  vmax =

  vmax = ms-1
3) A light elastic string of natural length 2.4m and modulus 15N is
stretched between two points A and B 3m apart on a smooth
horizontal surface. A body of mass 4kg is attached at the midpoint.
The mass is then stretched 10cm towards B. Show that the motion is
SHM, find the speed of the body 158cm from A.
1.2m 0.3m 1.2m 0.3m
T1 T2 T 0.1m T
1 2

A B A B
1.5m 1.5m 1.5m 1.5m
Equilibrium Equilibrium
point point
Using balance of Forces
T1 – T2 = ma 3.75 - 12.5x – (3.75 + 12.5x) = 4a
  -25x = 4a
15x - 15x = 4a In the form of
  a=
a =- ω x SHM occurs.
2
At 158cm from A x = 0.08m. A = 0.1m

v2 = ω2(A2 – x2)
  v2 = (0.12 – 0.082)

v2 = 0.0225
v = 0.15ms-1
4) On a smooth horizontal surface points A and B are 3.1 metres apart.
A body with mass of 5kg sits between them. A light elastic string of
natural length 1.1m and modulus 22N joins point A to the body and
another with natural length 80cm and modulus 8N joins B and the
body. If the body is moved 30cm towards A and released show that
SHM occurs and find the velocity when the body is 1.7m from A.
Equilibrium At equilibrium T1 = T2
point   = 8N   λ =λ
  = 22N 2
1 1 2
l1 = 1.1m T1 T2 l2 = 0.8m
  22 = 8
5kg
A B   20 = 10
3.1m   2=
  1.1 + + 0.8 + = 3.1
  + = 1.2   Sub in 2=
  + 2 = 1.2     = 0.8m
= 0.4m
 Equilibrium
point   = 8N
 
1 = 22N
2

l1 = 1.1m T1 0.3m T2 l2 = 0.8m

5kg
A B
3.1m
1.1m 0.4m 0.8m 0.8m

1.7m 0.2m
Using balance of Forces ω2 = 6 v2 = ω2(A2 – x2)
T1 – T2 = ma
ω = √6 v2 = 6(0.32 – 0.22)
  22x - 8x = 5a
A = 0.3m
v2 = 0.3
8 - 20x – (8 + 10x) = 5a x = 0.2m
-30x = 5a v = 0.55ms-1
In the form of
a = -6x
a =- ω2x SHM occurs.
 A Simple Pendulum

If a particle of mass m kg is suspended from a fixed point by a

light inextensible string of length l metres, the motion of the mass
when moved would be SHM.

The Period of the SHM is given by:

Θ l
 
TP = 2π
x

This formula can be derived.

 Definition of a Radian
A radian is the angle made by taking the radius
Θ and wrapping it round the circle.
r
One Radian is (180/π) degrees, which is about
57.2958 degrees.
 
Θ (in radians) =
x
 Deriving The Period of A Simple Pendulum
F is the force along the tangent of the
swing back towards the vertical
Θ l position
F = - mg sin Θ
For small values of Θ in radians sin Θ ≈ Θ
F = - mg Θ   ω2 =
x Θ  F = - mg
  ω=
 a =
F
mg
  The Tension in the string  a =-g
  Tp =
may include
 a =- x   Tp =

In the form of   Tp =
a =- ω2x SHM occurs.