Stability

The position of the centre of gravity of an object affects its stability. The lower the centre of
gravity (G) is, the more stable the object. The higher it is the more likely the object is to topple
over if it is pushed. Racing cars have really low centres of gravity so that they can corner rapidly
without turning over.

Increasing the area of the base will also increase the stability of an object, the bigger the area the
more stable the object. Rugby players will stand with their feet well apart if they are standing and
expect to be tackled.
If an object is tilted it will topple over if a vertical line from its centre of gravity falls outside its
base.

Forces and extension

Extension happens when an object increases in length, and compression happens when it

decreases in length. The extension of an elastic object, such as a spring, is described by Hooke's
law:

force exerted by a spring = extension × spring constant

This is when:

 force is measured in newtons (N)

 spring constant is measured in newtons per metre (N/m)
 extension is measured in metres (m)
Example

A force of 3 N is applied to a spring. The spring stretches reversibly (elastic deformation) by

0.15 m. Calculate the spring constant.

First, rearrange force = spring constant × extension to find spring constant:

force
spring constant=
extension

spring co n stant =20 N /m

Elastic limit

When an elastic object is stretched beyond its elastic limit, the object does not return to its
original length when the force is removed.

HOOKE’S LAW

Hooke’s Law Formula is given as

F = -K x
Where,

 F is the amount of force applied in N,

 x is the displacement in the spring in m,
 k is the spring constant or force constant.
Hooke’s law formula can be applied to determine the force constant, displacement, and force in a
stretched spring.

EXAMPLE
Determine the force constant if a force of 100 N is stretching a spring by 0.8 m.
Solution:
Given parameters are
Force F = 100 N,
Extension, x = 0.2 m.
The force constant formula is given by
k=–F/x
= – 100 / 0.8
k = – 125 N/m.