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Springs and Newton’s second law Springs and equilibrium Spring force and elastic energy Springs and graph interpretation Work transfers energy into a spring Work, energy and power3.3 Materials3.4 Dynamics3.2.1 Equilibrium3.2.3 Springs3.4.1 Mechanical properties of matter3.4.2 Elastic potential energy Force–extension graphs
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Course idea

Materials

OCR A AS Physics · 3.4

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 (12)
  • 3.4.1(a) Describe tensile and compressive deformation, extension and compression.
  • 3.4.1(b) State and apply Hooke’s law.
  • 3.4.1(c) Define the force constant k of a spring or wire using F = kx.
  • 3.4.1(d)(i) Interpret force–extension or compression graphs for springs and wires.
  • 3.4.1(d)(ii) Use techniques and procedures to investigate force–extension characteristics for springs, rubber bands or polythene strips.
  • 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 QWC6 marks

A technician compares two spring bumpers for a horizontal trolley. Spring A has a straight force-extension loading graph through the origin. Spring B has a curved loading graph but returns fully to its original length when unloaded. Both are used within a range where no permanent deformation occurs. Assume there are no internal energy losses within either spring on loading or unloading. A pupil makes two claims: “Elastic always means force is proportional to extension, so 0.5kx² gives the stored energy for both springs” and “The trolley accelerates at a constant rate until it leaves either spring.” Evaluate both claims. Explain how the force-extension graph gives the work done loading each spring, how this relates to energy transferred on release, and the effect of a constant resistive force on the trolley's motion. Assume the spring masses are negligible. [6]

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