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Springs and Newton’s second law Springs and equilibrium Spring force and elastic energy Springs and graph interpretation Density determines upthrust; force balance determines motion Small length errors can matter greatly in density Sample stiffness and Young modulus describe different things Stress and pressure share units, but describe different loading Measuring Young modulus accurately Materials3.4 Measurements and uncertainty2.2.1 Dynamics3.2.1 Equilibrium3.2.3 Density and pressure3.2.4 Springs3.4.1 Mechanical properties of matter3.4.2 Elastic potential energy Force–extension graphs
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Physics connection

Sample stiffness and Young modulus describe different things

OCR A AS Physics · Two ideas, one explanation

A wire’s force constant depends on its dimensions as well as its material. Young modulus separates the material behaviour from the sample’s length and cross-sectional area.

k = EA/L

Follow the reasoning

  1. Write Young modulus as stress divided by strain.
  2. Substitute stress = F/A and strain = x/L.
  3. Compare the resulting F/x with the force constant.
Specification outcomes (3)
  • 3.4.1(c) Define the force constant k of a spring or wire using F = kx.
  • 3.4.2(c) Define and use stress, strain and ultimate tensile strength.
  • 3.4.2(d)(i) Define Young modulus, E = stress / strain.
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H156 v2.0 · May 2026

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