Solve problems involving force and spring extension

Elasticity

1.4

Elasticity

	Elasticity
	The ability of an object to return to its original shape after the force applied on it has been removed

	Hooke's law
	Extension of spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring provided that the elastic limit of the spring has not been exceeded.

Elastic limit

The maximum force that can be applied on the spring before spring stops being elastic.

\(F=kx\), where F = force, k = spring constant, x = extension of spring

Factors affecting the elasticity of the spring

Type of material
- steel > copper
Length of the spring
Diameter of the spring
Thickness of the spring
Spring arrangement (parallel > series)
- Force on each spring = \(\dfrac{W}{2}\)
- Extension of each spring = \(\dfrac{x}{2}\)
- Force on each spring = \(W\)
- Extension of each spring = \(x\)