WTMA Springs and Elasticity 2

Question 1

A spring stretches 3 inches when a 15-lb weight is hung from it. How far will it stretch with a 25-lb weight?

Accepted Answer

5 inches

Answer

The spring constant is 15/3 = 5 lb/in, so a 25-lb load stretches it 25/5 = 5 inches.

Question 2

If two identical springs (each with spring constant k) are connected in parallel, what is the combined spring constant?

Accepted Answer

2k

Answer

Springs in parallel add their constants directly, so the combined constant is k + k = 2k.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It stays partially stretched

Answer

Once the elastic limit is exceeded, the spring undergoes permanent (plastic) deformation and will not fully recover.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a spring with a high spring constant?

Accepted Answer

It requires large force for small deflection

Answer

A high spring constant (k) means the spring is stiff — it resists deformation and requires a large force to stretch or compress it a small amount.

Question 5

A mechanic cuts a coil spring in half. What happens to the spring constant of each half?

Accepted Answer

It is doubled

Answer

Fewer active coils means less flexibility, so cutting a spring in half doubles its spring constant.

WTMA - Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test