Bennett Mechanical Test Springs and Elasticity 2

Question 1

A spring is stretched beyond its elastic limit. What happens when the force is removed?

Accepted Answer

It becomes permanently deformed

Answer

Beyond the elastic limit, the spring undergoes plastic deformation and cannot fully recover its original shape when the force is removed.

Question 2

A spring with constant 100 N/m stores 50 J of elastic potential energy. How far is it compressed?

Accepted Answer

1 m

Answer

Using PE = ½kx²: 50 = ½(100)x², so x² = 1 and x = 1 m.

Question 3

A stiffer spring has a _____ spring constant.

Accepted Answer

Higher

Answer

A higher spring constant means more force is required per unit of displacement, which is the definition of a stiffer spring.

Question 4

What happens to the period of oscillation of a mass on a spring if the mass is increased?

Accepted Answer

Period increases

Answer

Period T = 2π√(m/k), so increasing mass increases the period, meaning the oscillation slows down.

Question 5

A spring with a constant of 200 N/m is stretched 5 cm (0.05 m). What is the restoring force?

Accepted Answer

10 N

Answer

Using F = kx: F = 200 N/m × 0.05 m = 10 N.

Bennett Mechanical Test Practice Test