O-LevelPhysicsForces5054/22 · May/June 2016 · Q36 Marks

A student has three springs A, B and C. He measures the length of each spring, in turn, when different weights are placed on the end of each spring. His table of results is shown in Fig. 3.1.

(a)(i)State which spring has been stretched past the limit of proportionality.[1]
(a)(ii)Using data from Fig. 3.1, explain how you obtained your answer to (a)(i).[2]
(a)(iii)Calculate the unstretched length of spring A.[1]
(b)Describe how the student can use spring A to determine the mass of a small rock.[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] C
[1] data quoted to prove stretches more at end
[1] or extensions/changes in length increase/are not the same (at higher loads)
[1] 4.5cm
[1] (tie rock to spring A)
[1] find weight/force/newtons using length or extension and graph or match readings (in table) or find known weight/mass/force/N that gives same extension of spring or use of proportionality with length or extension or extension (in cm)/1.6 or (mass =) weight/g or weight/gravitational field (strength)

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