Forces & ElasticityEdexcel GCSE Physics: Flashcards

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What is elastic distortion?

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What is elastic distortion?: A change of shape where the object returns fully to its original shape once the force is removed.
What is inelastic distortion?: A change of shape where the object does not return to its original shape once the force is removed — it is permanently deformed.
State the equation linking force and extension for a spring.: F = k × e, where F is force (N), k is the spring constant (N/m), and e is extension (m).
What are the units of the spring constant?: N/m (newtons per metre).
Does F = k × e apply to compression as well as extension?: Yes — it applies to both stretching (extension) and squashing (compression) of a spring.
Define the limit of proportionality.: The point beyond which extension is no longer directly proportional to the applied force.
Define the elastic limit.: The point beyond which a material will not return to its original shape when the force is removed.
How do you find the spring constant from a force–extension graph?: It is the gradient of the straight-line (proportional) section of the graph.
State the equation for elastic potential energy (higher tier).: Eₑ = ½ × k × e², where k is the spring constant and e is the extension.
Why is the work done stretching a spring beyond its limit of proportionality greater than the elastic potential energy stored?: Because some of the energy is used to permanently deform the spring rather than being stored elastically and recovered.
In the core practical, what is measured before adding any mass to the spring?: The spring's natural (unstretched) length.
What does the area under a force–extension graph represent?: The work done (energy transferred) in stretching the spring.
A spring extends by 0.1 m under a force of 5 N. Calculate the spring constant.: k = F ÷ e = 5 ÷ 0.1 = 50 N/m.