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Materials3.4 Mechanical properties of matter3.4.2
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Course idea

Mechanical properties of matter

OCR A AS Physics · 3.4.2

Explore mechanical properties of matter within materials. Connect the forces applied to a material with its deformation and stored energy. Separate the behaviour of a particular sample from properties of the material itself.

Specification outcomes (7)
  • 3.4.2(a) Interpret force–extension (or compression) graphs; calculate work done as area under graph.
  • 3.4.2(b) Calculate elastic potential energy using E = ½Fx or E = ½kx².
  • 3.4.2(c) Define and use stress, strain and ultimate tensile strength.
  • 3.4.2(d)(i) Define Young modulus, E = stress / strain.
  • 3.4.2(d)(ii) Use techniques and procedures to determine the Young modulus for a metal.
  • 3.4.2(e) Interpret stress–strain graphs for typical ductile, brittle and polymeric materials.
  • 3.4.2(f) Describe elastic and plastic deformation of materials.
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H156 v2.0 · May 2026

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PhysicsUK Solve4 marks

A spring obeys Hooke's law and has a spring constant of 25 N m⁻¹. (a) Calculate the extension produced by a force of 5.0 N. (2) (b) Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring at this extension. (2)

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PhysicsUK Solve15 marks

A technician calibrates the spring bumper of a small instrument trolley. Figure 1 shows the force F needed to compress the spring by x from its natural length. The graph is a straight line through (0, 0), (0.020 m, 1.2 N), (0.040 m, 2.4 N) and (0.060 m, 3.6 N). The trolley has mass 0.60 kg. It is released from rest against the spring at compression 0.060 m on a horizontal track. A constant resistive force of 0.60 N opposes the motion as soon as the trolley moves. The spring's mass is negligible and its deformation is elastic. The trolley loses contact with the spring at its natural length. There are no other energy losses. (a) Use the gradient of the force-compression graph to determine the spring constant. [2] (b) Use the graph to calculate the work needed to compress the spring from its natural length to 0.060 m. [2] (c) Calculate the acceleration just after release, stating its direction relative to the bumper. [3] (d) Calculate the speed when the trolley loses contact with the spring. Account for the work done against resistance. [3] (e) Explain why a single constant-acceleration equation cannot describe the whole interval while the trolley is in contact with the spring. [2] (f) Calculate the distance travelled after losing contact before the trolley stops. Use a constant-acceleration equation for this part. [3]

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