O Level Physics(5054) 1

Motion Forces and energy

1.5.3 Elastic Deformation
1.5.3.1 Know that forces may produce a change in size and shape of an
object
Deforming Force
A force that causes a change in length,
size, shape of an object.

Deformation
An object when undergoes a change in
shape, size, length or volume under the
action of a deforming force.
This change can be temporary (momentarily
changes) or permanent.

Elasticity
It’s a property of the object to regain its original length, size or shape once the
deforming force is removed.
It is possible that the deforming force has been applied so much that the object
has undergone permanent change. At this point we say that the object has lost
its elasticity.

Extension
Under the action of a deforming force,
change in length of an object is the
extension produced in it.
Mathematically:
𝑥 = 𝑙 − 𝑙𝑜
Where x is extension and 𝑙 is length
and 𝑙𝑜 is original length.
Hooke’s law
This law states that the extension produced in an object is directly proportional to the
applied deforming force. By proportionality we mean that if you apply a known
magnitude of force, it will produce an extension in the spring which is particular only
to the applied force. This law remains valid till a point, after this point Hooke’s law

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doesn’t hold and for the same amount of force applied as previously a large extension
is produced in the object.
Mathematically;
𝐹∝𝑥
𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥

1.5.3.2 Define the spring constant as force per unit extension; recall and
use the equation spring constant = force / extension (k = F / x)
Spring Constant
From Hooke’s law, we know that
𝐹 = 𝑘𝑥
𝐹
𝑘=
𝑥
• k is called spring constant, and is defined as force required to produce unit
extension (1 m, 1 cm, 1 mm) extension in the spring.
• The more the value of k, the more the force required to produce a unit extension
in spring.
• It also tells how hard or soft a spring is. Softness and Hardness are defined by
the term stiffness.
𝑁 𝑁
• Its unit is or .
𝑚 𝑐𝑚

1.5.3.3 Sketch, plot and interpret load–extension graphs for an elastic

solid and describe the associated
experimental procedures
Experiment to measure the spring constant
1. Attach one end of the spring with a clamp
stand.
2. The other end of the spring is connected to a
pan by means of a hook as shown in figure.
3. A meter rule is placed adjacent to the spring.
4. A pointer on the spring points at the reading of
the meter rule. This is the starting mark.
5. The spring itself has its own unstretched
length. Note the unstretched length of spring.
6. Add load to the pan connected to the spring.
The load pushes downward and causes the
spring to stretch.

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7. Note the extension of the spring using the formula 𝑥 = 𝑙 − 𝑙𝑜 .

8. Add load again and note the extension again.
9. Repeat step 8 for a number of times.
10. Plot a graph between load and extension.
11. Repeat the same experiment with different load each time.

Load extension graph

• In a load extension graph, load is taken on y-axis and extension on x-axis.

• The gradient of the graph gives us the spring constant k.

Load-extension graph (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )

12 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )
10
10 − 0
8 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
LOAD (N)

6 15 − 0
4 10 2 𝑁
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 = = = 0.67 =𝐾
2 15 3 𝑐𝑚
0
Gradient = K = F / x
0 3 6 9 12 15
EXTENSION (CM)

Extension Load graph

• In an extension load graph, extension is taken on y-axis and load on x-axis.

• The gradient of the graph gives us the spring constant 1/k.
• The reciprocal of the value gives us the spring constant k.

(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )
Extension Load Graph 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )
20
15 − 0
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
EXTENSION (CM)

15 10 − 0
10 15 3 𝑐𝑚 1
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 = = = 1.5 =
10 2 𝑁 𝐾
5
Gradient = K = F / x
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 𝐹 1 𝑁
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝐾 = = = 0.67
LOAD (N) 𝑥 1.5 𝑐𝑚

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1.5.3.4 Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for a load–
extension graph and identify this point on the graph (an understanding
of the elastic limit is not required)
Limit of Proportionality

• The point after which Hooke’s law isn’t

obeyed is termed as limit of proportionality
denoted by ‘P’.
• All objects under the action of a continuous
deforming force may reach this point.
• Some objects reach this point early while
others are more elastic and take time.
• After this point the object starts to deform
permanently.
The graph shows how after point P the extension
varies by applying deforming force.

Parallel Combination of springs

• In parallel combination, the springs are attached adjacent to

one another as shown in diagram.
• This combination causes load to be distributed between the two
springs.
• The overall effect of the two springs causes stiffness to increase
making the new combination equivalent to a harder spring.
• The spring constants of the two springs are added.
• We can attach any number of springs in parallel combination.
• Their spring constant is given as
𝑘 = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 + 𝑘3 + ⋯ + 𝑘𝑛
Series Combination of springs

• In series combination, the springs are attached end to end as

shown in diagram.
• This combination causes load to produce more extension in the
springs as compared to a single spring.
• This is because the load produces extension in the bottom spring,
this load and the stretching of the spring act as a combine load for
the upper spring, thus it stretches more.
• This combination causes stiffness to decrease.
• We can attach any number of springs in series combination.
• The spring constant is then given as:
1 1 1 1
𝑘= + + +⋯
𝑘1 𝑘2 𝑘3 𝑘𝑛

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Practice Questions
Question#1

Question#2

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Question#3

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