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AQA · GCSE · Physics · Higher

Spring constant of the spring calculation

Q02.7 2 marks

The student measured the compression of the spring for different masses. Figure 4 shows the results.

Figure 4
Figure 4

Figure 4

Enlarged question image

Figure 4

Determine the spring constant of the spring. Use your answers to Question 02.5 and Question 02.6. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

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Marking points

  1. 1 Divides the change in force by the change in compression, using the student's 02.5 and 02.6 values.
  2. 2 Gives 5950 N/m (or the error-carried-forward gradient) to 3 significant figures.

Full-mark answer

Spring constant = gradient = Δy/Δx = 250/0.042 = 5952.38... N/m, which to 3 significant figures is 5950 N/m.

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The quotient must be reported to the requested number of significant figures with its unit.

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