Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsDeformation of solidsMay/June 2020Paper 1 Q161 Mark

A spring is attached at one end to a fixed point. A mass is then hung from the other end of the spring. The spring has extension x when the system is in equilibrium. [Figure 16.1] The variation of the tension in the spring with its extension is shown on the graph. [Figure 16.2] Which statement is correct?

AArea SPR represents the energy stored in the spring which cannot be recovered.
BArea SPQR represents the energy stored in the spring which can be recovered.
CArea SPQ represents the loss of gravitational potential energy of the mass due to the extension of the spring.
DArea SQR represents the elastic potential energy stored in the spring.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: Area SQR represents the elastic potential energy stored in the spring.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Sign up for free to reveal the full examiner report, trap analysis, and mark scheme breakdown for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Deformation of solids in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2020 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

Practice on Oracle Prep

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers across 29 subjects.

Related Physics Questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine