🪐 GCSE Physics Revision Newsletter - Hooke's Law

Part 1 - Keywords:

1. Hooke's Law

2. Force

3. Extension

4. Spring constant

5. Limit of proportionality

6. Elastic potential energy

7. Compression

8. Proportionality

9. Data interpretation

10. Work done

Part 2 - Key Facts:

• Hooke's Law: This law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied, provided the limit of proportionality is not exceeded. This can be expressed as F=k×e, where F is the force applied, k is the spring constant, and e is the extension.

• Limit of Proportionality: The point beyond which the material no longer obeys Hooke’s Law, and any additional force leads to permanent deformation..

• Work Done in Stretching: The work done on a spring (or in compressing it) can be determined using the same formula as elastic potential energy, as the work done is stored as potential energy.

• Data Interpretation: In experiments involving Hooke's Law, the relationship between force and extension is often plotted on a graph. A straight line through the origin indicates that Hooke's Law is being obeyed.

Part 3 - Quick Quiz:

1. What does Hooke’s Law state?

   a) The force applied to a spring is inversely proportional to its extension.

   b) The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied.

   c) The spring constant is always the same regardless of the force.

   Answer: b) The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied.

2. Which formula is used to calculate the Hooke’s Law?

   a) F=k×e

   b)F=mxa

   c) F=d/t

   Answer: a) F=k×e

3. What happens to a spring when the force applied exceeds the limit of proportionality?

   a) It returns to its original shape.

   b) It undergoes elastic deformation.

   c) It undergoes permanent deformation.

   Answer: c) It undergoes permanent deformation.

Part 4 - Going Further: Force-Extension Graphs

A force-extension graph plots the force applied to a spring against the extension produced. The graph provides valuable information about the spring's behaviour. For a perfectly elastic material, the force-extension graph is a straight line that passes through the origin. This indicates that the force and extension are directly proportional, following Hooke's Law. The slope of this line represents the spring constant (k). However, there is a limit to this linear relationship. As the force applied increases, the spring will eventually reach its elastic limit, beyond which Hooke's Law no longer applies. At this point, the graph begins to curve. The elastic limit represents the maximum force that can be applied to the spring while still maintaining elastic deformation. If the force exceeds the elastic limit, the spring will experience permanent deformation, and it will not return to its original length after the force is removed

Part 5 - Revision Tips: Practice interpreting data from Hooke’s Law experiments by plotting force-extension graphs. Remember, a straight line through the origin confirms Hooke’s Law. Use the slope of the line to calculate the spring constant, and always check that the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.

Part 6 - More Help: 

Here are two useful webpages and one YouTube video for revising Hooke's Law:

1. Study Rocket: Hooke's Law – GCSE Physics (Edexcel)

   • This page provides a clear explanation of Hooke's Law, with worked examples and an introduction to key concepts like the limit of proportionality, elastic potential energy, and the formula used to calculate force and extension.

   • URL: Study Rocket - Hooke's Law​(Study Rocket)

2. Shalom Education: Hooke's Law and Force-Extension Graphs

   • This page discusses Hooke’s Law in detail, covering the relationship between force and extension, the spring constant, and how to interpret force-extension graphs with relevant equations and diagrams.

   • URL: Shalom Education - Hooke's Law​ (Shalom Education)

3. YouTube: Hooke's Law - GCSE Physics Revision

   • A concise video that explains Hooke’s Law with visual aids, covering the basic principles, key equations, and examples of practical applications for GCSE Physics students.

   • URL: YouTube - Hooke's Law​(YouTube)

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Part 7 - GCSE Science Flik Notes

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Until next time!